David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel International, has denied campaigning for any politician in Nigeria. He made this clarification during a recent sermon at the church’s headquarters in Ogun State, following the release of an audio clip by an online news outlet that alleged a conversation between him and the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In the audio, Obi was heard allegedly soliciting votes from Christians in the South-West and Northern parts of the country for the 2023 presidential election, which he claimed was a religious war. However, the clergyman emphasized that he only advises and prays for politicians who visit him and had never campaigned for any of them during any election in the country.
Oyedepo explained that he had advised all political parties in Nigeria that approached him for prayers and advice, and some of them heeded while others did not. He noted that his advice did not change whether the politicians took it or not, and he would continue to offer guidance and prayers to all who seek his counsel.
The controversial audio clip had caused a stir on social media, leading to allegations of religious manipulation by politicians. However, Oyedepo’s denial has cleared the air on his involvement with political campaigns and puts to rest any speculation of his endorsement of a political candidate.
The audio clip had generated significant interest and controversy, with Festus Keyamo, the spokesperson of the APC presidential campaign council, criticizing Obi’s alleged comments and accusing “men of God” of allowing themselves to be used by unscrupulous politicians for political gain. With Oyedepo’s denial, the issue has taken a new turn, and the focus is now on the authenticity of the audio clip and its implications for the Nigerian political scene.
