Posted by Samuel on Sat 06th Dec, 2025 - tori.ng
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Emmanuel noted that politicians tend to prioritize the electoral clout of religious leaders over their spiritual guidance.
Femi Emmanuel, Presiding Pastor of Livingspring Chapel International, has claimed that many politicians seek out prominent General Overseers not for spiritual guidance, but to gain access to their large congregations.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Emmanuel noted that politicians tend to prioritize the electoral clout of religious leaders over their spiritual guidance.
“When politicians visit popular General Overseers, they come mainly for political reasons, to get their members to vote for them,” he said.
“I tell my congregation all the time: it’s your votes they’re after. And when they say, ‘Dad, pray for me,’ Dad will pray, but Dad can’t change anything. Politicians only listen to those who help them win their primaries.”
The cleric called on Nigerians to gain a deeper understanding of the political system, emphasizing that key decisions are often made at the grassroots level by individuals who may not have the capacity to handle such responsibilities.
“I want Nigerians to listen. Good Nigerians don’t attend ward meetings, we are too sophisticated. But if you attend ward meetings, you will cry.
“People fight over ₦1,000 sent to them, yet these are the people who choose delegates. Delegates determine candidates, and candidates determine leaders. If you don’t have delegates, you can’t have candidates,” he said.
Emmanuel also urged the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to adopt a more focused approach, placing greater emphasis on national security.
“You are bold and courageous, but you have found yourself in a very difficult situation,” he said.
“He didn’t start this terrorism, but he must ensure that peace returns to every part of Nigeria.”
The cleric contended that reinstating a regional system of government in Nigeria would address the majority of the nation’s problems.
“Our problem will be 90 per cent solved if we return to regional government. If we don’t, the problem will persist and may worsen,” he warned.