Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has criticised bishops endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, saying their support is driven by personal interests rather than divine instruction.

Primate Ayodele, in a statement by his media aide Osho Oluwatosin, alleged that the bishops were backing the president because they expected benefits from his administration.

He cautioned Tinubu against being carried away by the endorsements, describing them as insincere and warning that they would not guarantee victory in the 2027 presidential election.

“Bishops endorsing President Tinubu are hungry and looking for what to eat. They didn’t do that endorsement because they love Tinubu but because they need some things from him.

“They just want to secure their next meal, and that is why they are singing the praises of the president. The president must exercise caution before expressing joy over the endorsement because it is totally fake.”

Ayodele also rejected claims that the endorsements were based on divine direction, accusing the bishops of invoking God’s name for personal gain.

“They are not doing it based on divine orders or God’s direction; there is no way God would give such direction. They are only lying on God’s name because of food; it’s such a bad thing that these Bishops reduced the name of God to this level,” he said.

The cleric also extended his criticism to politicians endorsing Tinubu, saying their support could change if their interests were not met.

He said such politicians could turn against the president and support another candidate if they failed to get what they wanted from his administration.

Ayodele urged Tinubu to focus on his performance in office rather than relying on endorsements, saying his record would ultimately determine his chances of securing another term.

“President Tinubu must know that endorsements cannot get him anywhere near a second term if he doesn’t perform well for the people. Endorsements mean nothing; it is only his activities that can either secure or make him lose a second term in office.

“It would be better if he buckled up and put his house in order instead of allowing these endorsements to get into his head.” (Tribune)