The Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Head of Politics and Governance, Pastor Timothy Olaniyan, has explained his prior statement on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Dr. Oche Otorkpa, a church Youth Pastor, earlier demanded that Pastor Olaniyan be fired immediately for advocating for Prof. Yemi Osinbajo ahead of the 2023 elections.
In a statement, Pastor Olaniyan is alleged to have complimented Osinbajo, characterizing him as the only competent person among the APC presidential contenders capable of changing Nigeria’s governance narrative.
The cleric’s statement, according to reports, attracted significant backlash on and off social media.
According to Otorpka, Pastor Olaniyan’s remark is a one-sided partisan attitude because the RCCG is a multiparty ministry.
Pastor Olaniyan, on the other hand, answered yesterday, claiming that his statement regarding the Vice President was only a personal viewpoint.
Olaniyan claimed he wasn’t speaking on behalf of the church when he declared Yemi Osinbajo was God’s only child and a pastor who could transform Nigeria’s governance narrative.
Clarifying problems, Olaniyan indicated that he was not speaking on behalf of the Church when he spoke at a New Era Nigeria event.
Meanwhile, Dr Olatunde Badmus, Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta, has warned that the large number of Yoruba indigenes in the presidential race may split Southwest votes.
He said this during an Eid-el-Fitri celebration at his residence in Osogbo on Monday.
The businessman warned that the All Progressives Congress’ presidential ticket should not divide Yorubas (APC).
“The Yoruba race is an important race in Nigeria,” he said. However, from just one race, about seven of our children have declared their desire to be president, despite the fact that there is only one seat available.
“Isn’t that a way to divide the approximately 12 to 13 million votes we have in Yorubaland?” We are aware of our own selves. Those who have contributed to our well-being are people we know.
“Only God knows who will be the next president, but I will advise Yorubas not to vote in blocs.” It isn’t going to pay us.”
According to Asiwaju, most of the candidates believe they can win the APC ticket, but only one person can win the primaries.
“Politicians have egos, but by the time their primaries come around, one person will emerge,” he said.
“At this point in the game, each of them believes he will win.” And who among them is going to admit he’s not going to win?”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun are among those from the Southwest who have declared their presidential ambitions.
While Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Pastor Tunde Bakare are rumoured to be pursuing presidential ambitions.