The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned that democracy could tear Nigeria apart if urgent reforms are not made.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Primate Ayodele criticized Nigeria’s democratic system, describing it as corrupt and driven by desperation and hatred. He stressed that those in power are not doing the right thing, which is causing serious damage to the nation’s political and social structures.
The cleric called for an immediate review of the country’s constitution to prevent further division and ensure stability.
“If we are not careful, democracy will tear us apart because so many things are faulty in our democracy, and nobody has ever sought reforms,” Primate Ayodele said.
He pointed out that the current state of democracy in Nigeria is affecting the nation on multiple levels, including the economy, the judiciary, and regional harmony. According to him, democracy in its present form is failing because it does not prioritize justice or the welfare of the people.
Primate Ayodele further lamented the lack of respect for the rule of law, arguing that it will lead to confusion and division if not addressed. He accused the country’s leadership of forgetting the sacrifices made by those who fought for Nigeria’s democracy, including MKO Abiola, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Obafemi Awolowo.
“The rule of law is no longer respected in Nigeria’s democracy. It will divide Nigeria if care isn’t taken and throw the country into confusion,” he warned.
The prophet also criticized the judiciary, alleging that it has been compromised and is no longer serving the interests of the people. He described the country’s democratic system as one that empowers individuals who do not prioritize the nation’s welfare.
Primate Ayodele took a firm stance against the recent book launch by former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, condemning those who praised him despite his role in annulling the 1993 presidential election won by MKO Abiola.
“Babangida recently said MKO Abiola won the election he annulled, and we are praising such. Terror has become heroic in our democracy,” he said.
He argued that celebrating Babangida and similar figures only promotes injustice, corruption, and division in the country.
The cleric also criticized traditional rulers, accusing them of acting like political agents and aligning themselves with candidates during elections.
“Even traditional rulers are now acting like state chairmen of political parties, running helter-skelter for candidates to win elections,” he said.
Primate Ayodele warned that Nigeria’s unity and democratic future will face a defining moment by 2032. He suggested that if the nation fails to address the flaws in its democratic system before then, there could be irreversible consequences.
“By 2032, we will know if we will still remain in democracy or not. We need to be very careful with our democracy in Nigeria. It’s getting lightweight by the day,” he added.
The cleric called for urgent reforms and a return to the original ideals of democracy, emphasizing that only genuine commitment to justice and fairness can save Nigeria from potential disintegration.