…warns against election rigging

The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from influencing the outcome of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, warned that any attempt to manipulate the Osun election or impose a candidate on the people through unlawful means would have negative consequences.

According to the cleric, the Osun governorship election should be allowed to reflect the will of God and the wishes of the electorate.

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“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,” he said.

Ayodele further claimed that the outcome of the Osun election could have implications for the 2027 presidential election.

“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,” he added.

The cleric also called on the Inspector-General of Police and the military to ensure adequate security deployment during the election, alleging that some individuals were planning to instigate violence.

“Our security operatives must be on the ground during the election because I foresee 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,” he said.

Ayodele advised Governor Ademola Adeleke to remain vigilant, warning that the election would be fiercely contested.

“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,” he said.

He also urged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to avoid violence and discourage his supporters from engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process.

“For the APC candidate, the governorship seat isn’t a must; he shouldn’t involve himself or his followers in violence because of the election. No life is worth being wasted because of the governorship position. Whatever the outcome is, take it in good faith,” he said.