Nigerian pastor and televangelist Chris Oyakhilome has shared strong views about the leadership of Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling on citizens to support him despite criticism and political divisions.
Oyakhilome, the founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, addressed the issue during a message in which he spoke about politics, faith, and the future of Nigeria.
He said the situation around the country’s leadership should not be seen only through politics, but also through spiritual understanding.
“It’s not just “interesting”, it is deeply spiritual that the things of God are foolishness to those who are perishing.”
The pastor argued that some people are able to understand deeper meanings in events, while others cannot see beyond their personal opinions.
“This is not an emotional and political message. There are people who are blessed to read the signs of the times and to decipher it. But many have eyes and they can’t see. Their minds are too full of bile to be objective. God doesn’t look for perfect men. That was why he was the friend of sinners. Paul was the Boko Haram leader of His time.”
According to him, leaders are often chosen based on their potential rather than their past.
“God looks for available men and He looks beyond what the man is and He sees what he can become. He took Moses from the house of Pharaoh. The situation in Nigeria is so bad, Chief Awolowo used to tell us 40 years ago, it will take an insider to change it.”
The mention of Chief Awolowo refers to Obafemi Awolowo, a key figure in Nigeria’s independence movement and early political history.
Oyakhilome also admitted that he previously supported another candidate during the internal contest within the ruling All Progressives Congress. That candidate was Yemi Osinbajo, who served as Nigeria’s vice president under former president Muhammadu Buhari.
“Some of us supported VP Osinbajo during the contest within APC and I wrote severally against BAT and said it was the time for a new man.”
He added that Tinubu faced intense opposition before eventually becoming president.
“They threw all manner of obstacles his way. I have not come across a man more vilified, but he overcame every formidable obstacle.”
Oyakhilome said Tinubu’s survival through political challenges shows that he understands the Nigerian system and could use that knowledge to make a difference.
“All the powers that be worked against him, yet the man survived against all expectations. This is the man from the house of Pharaoh. He knows the system and has benefited from it.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to support the president and allow him to lead the country.
“All that remains for him is to carve his name in the books of history by living for the ordinary man. He has sought it so diligently. He can’t do it alone but can lead the way. Let’s rally round him.”