The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned Nigerians, particularly youths, against risking their lives or engaging in violence for politicians during elections.
Ayodele gave the warning in a video shared on TikTok, urging Nigerians not to allow political actors to manipulate them into fighting or committing acts of violence.
The cleric said politicians across party lines often maintain cordial relationships despite the rivalry among their supporters, warning that those who fight for them could be left to bear the consequences.
He urged Nigerians not to sacrifice their lives for politicians because of financial inducements, saying supporters could suffer serious consequences while the politicians and their families remain safe.
Ayodele also warned supporters against allowing political differences to create hostility among them, stressing that politicians who contest against one another could reconcile after elections.
The cleric further criticised the practice of blindly defending political leaders, saying politicians could “use and dump” their supporters after elections.
He extended the warning to religious leaders, including pastors, alleging that politicians also sometimes use clerics for political purposes before abandoning them.
Ayodele questioned whether politicians would expose their own children or family members to the dangers they encourage supporters to face during political contests.
He therefore urged young Nigerians involved in politics to exercise caution, avoid violence and refrain from blindly praising or defending politicians at the expense of their lives.
