‘Muslims Don’t Own Nigeria’ — Oyedepo tackles those opposed to Christian President

Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has criticised those opposed to the emergence of a Christian as Nigeria’s president on the basis of religion.

Oyedepo made the remarks during a recent church service while responding to comments attributed to individuals who have said they would not support a Christian president.

The cleric questioned the basis for such a position, arguing that no religious or ethnic group has exclusive ownership of Nigeria.

He also said Nigerians should not be made to feel like tenants in their own country because of their religious or ethnic identity.

Oyedepo said: “Don’t vote for a Christian. We won’t give it to a Christian. Who are you to give it? What yeye people? If you introduce your abilities, you have scattered the nation. You scattered the nation. Look at your brain. What have you contributed to the nation till now?”

He further warned political leaders and others whom he accused of working against the church to be mindful of their actions.

“Muslims don’t own Nigeria. We are not tenants to Fulanis. Please listen, all those in power. Watch,” he said.

Oyedepo maintained that no Nigerian was more entitled to the country than another, regardless of religious or ethnic background.

“No Nigerian is more a Nigerian than another. We own this country together,” he said.

The bishop also rejected the suggestion that politicians or any particular group had exclusive control over the country.

“Politicians don’t own the nation. Nigerians own the nation,” he added.

Oyedepo further issued a warning to what he described as groups or individuals involved in a “gang up against the church,” saying such actions would have consequences.

“Every gang up against the church will fall on the head of perpetrators,” he said.

His comments come amid continuing public debate over the role of religion and ethnicity in Nigerian politics, particularly as political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election intensify.

Oyedepo’s remarks, however, were presented as his response to arguments against a Christian presidency and did not amount to an endorsement of a specific presidential candidate in the statement reported.

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