Primate Ayodele to Tinubu: Stay away from Osun election

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stay away from influencing the governorship election in Osun State.

The Eagle Online is reporting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 15, 2026 for the election.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, on Tuesday, Primate Ayodele warned the Presidency against forcing any candidate on the people of Osun State through illegal means because it will backfire.

He stated that any attempt to stop the will of God and that of the people from coming to pass in Osun State will affect the whole country negatively, including the President’s ambition.

He said: “Osun State election is in God’s hands. 

“Let the Presidency stay away from influencing the election in any way because there will be consequences. 

“The President must resist every temptation and counsel that may push him to have a hand in the outcome of the election; it will not end well if the will of God and that of the people are influenced or changed.

“President Tinubu must know that this election has a lot to do with the 2027 presidential election, and influencing it will create a national crisis. It’s better to avoid it by staying away and let God’s will be done.”

The man of God further urged the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu. and the military to deploy enough officers because it won’t be an easy ride during the election. 

Ayodele revealed that some personalities have concluded plans to cause a crisis in the course of the election, and if it is not well handled, it could lead to severe bloodshed.

He said: “Our security operatives must be on the ground during the election because I foresee a serious crisis and violence. 

“Some groups have decided and concluded plans to cause trouble in the course of the election, and this can lead to bloodshed if not well handled. 

“The people must be protected at all costs; enough security operatives must be deployed.”

Furthermore, Primate Ayodele advised the candidates, warning Governor Ademola Adeleke to prepare adequately “because they won’t take it easy with him”. 

He noted that it will be an election of money, violence, and manipulation.

He said: “Governor Adeleke must prepare well; the election is going to look like war because his opposition is ready to take him out of the race. 

“It will be an election of money, violence and manipulation. 

“If he doesn’t stand well and stay on alert, even though he is the right person for the people of Osun, he may be rigged out.”

Likewise, for the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, Primate Ayodele advised him not to engage in dirty politics or violence because no governorship seat is worth anyone’s blood.

He said: “For the APC candidate, the governorship seat isn’t a must; he shouldn’t involve himself in violence or his followers because of the election. 

“No life is worth being wasted because of the governorship position. 

“Whatever the outcome is, take it in good faith.”

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖