What are you coming back to do?’ — Suleman questions Tinubu’s 2027 ambition

The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s alleged ambition for a second term, arguing that worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and other national challenges should prompt serious reflection on the president’s performance in office.

The cleric made the remarks during a Sunday service in Auchi, Edo State, where he delivered a sermon titled “Power to Get Wealth”.

A video of the sermon later went viral.

His comments come amid growing political endorsements for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, with several governors, ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders, and political figures reportedly backing him for a second term.

Speaking during the sermon, Suleman questioned the justification for re-election when, according to him, key national indicators have worsened.

“If people rig themselves into power, let it be clear that they rig. Not that you voted for them. Let the judgment be on them that they rig. For the first four years, somebody did nothing, and you want to vote for him again? The first term is when people really work. If you fail like this in the first term, what are you coming back to do again?” he said.

He argued that performance should be the basis of political campaigns, insisting that poor governance should not be rewarded with re-election.

“Performance is the best form of campaign. If you don’t perform, you are only weakening the opposition because of your failure. Is the country good? The dollar rose from N460 to N1,500. Look at fuel prices. What are you coming back to do?” he added.

Suleman, however, said his comments were not targeted specifically at the current administration, noting that he had made similar criticisms under past governments, including that of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He recalled that during the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, he openly criticised the Jonathan administration, adding that his comments at the time were even welcomed by some officials.

According to him, “Performance is the best form of campaign. If you fail, you should step aside. You don’t repeat a class you failed.”

The cleric also lamented what he described as systemic political exclusion, claiming that access to leadership positions at the local government level is often determined by political networks rather than elections.

Suleman further argued that the Tinubu administration had yet to point to any single major problem it had successfully resolved, stressing that even one significant achievement would be meaningful.

“Get one thing right. Nigerians are not asking for too much. If you can’t fix power, give us security. If you can’t provide security, make living affordable. Just do one thing right,” he said.

He also compared Nigeria’s infrastructure and living conditions with other countries, particularly in terms of electricity supply and basic amenities.

The cleric, however, said he would acknowledge and commend any positive policy or improvement from the government, insisting that his criticism is based on national interest rather than political bias.

“If you do well, I will praise you. If you fail, I will speak. I am not in any political party,” he said.

Suleman expressed hope for a better Nigeria, stating that citizens would one day enjoy a safer and more functional country where freedom of movement is not a concern.

He also noted that many Nigerians in the diaspora did not leave primarily for wealth, but for safety and stability, adding that the current situation at home reflects deep systemic challenges.

“People abroad are not necessarily chasing money. Many are there for safety. You can leave as a doctor and become a taxi driver abroad because you are safe,” he said.

He concluded by calling for national reflection, urging leaders to prioritise security, stability, and basic governance outcomes that directly improve citizens’ lives.

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