Nigerian Pastor Draws Backlash After Urging Yoruba Voters to Reject Igbo Candidate

                       MATTERS ARISING 6060

LAGOS, Nigeria — A prominent Nigerian pastor has sparked nationwide criticism after a video emerged of him telling congregants to vote along ethnic lines, saying he could not support an Igbo candidate because he is Yoruba.

Prophet Oladele Ogundipe, head of Genesis Global, made the remarks during a recent sermon that has since circulated widely on social media. 

"I cannot be a Yoruba boy and vote for an Igbo boy," Ogundipe told his church, in reference to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political rivals. He added that even if a candidate from his ethnic group was underperforming, they should still be "given a chance" based on heritage.

Ogundipe also told church elders to align with his political stance. "I am your father; who I follow is who you follow," he said, suggesting members who disagreed could leave the congregation.

The comments have fueled debate over the role of religion in Nigeria’s politics. One social media user remarked in response to the clip: "Last last, we brought tribalism into church. No more hiding it."

Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups, and ethnic identity often shapes political allegiances. Critics say sermons that promote ethnic voting risk deepening divisions and undermining democratic accountability based on policy and performance.

Ogundipe appeared unmoved by the backlash. "I don't care if I'm controversial this week," he said during the service.

The incident has reignited questions over whether religious leaders should use their platforms to endorse candidates on ethnic grounds, or keep the pulpit separate from partisan politics.

See the video here

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