Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has criticised Christian clerics who have publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another term in office, questioning the basis of their support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Ayodele’s comments followed the recent endorsement of Tinubu by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria during its 2026 synod in Abuja.

The conference, led by its President-General, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, said it had assessed Tinubu’s administration and resolved to support his bid for a second term. Kawas specifically pointed to appointments made by the administration and what the group described as improved religious balance in government.

But Ayodele took a different position, arguing that religious leaders should not endorse political candidates without considering the wider condition of Nigerians.

The cleric questioned whether some of the bishops supporting Tinubu were responding to genuine conviction or personal interests. He suggested that hunger and economic pressure could be influencing the positions of some religious figures.

Ayodele has repeatedly made the economic condition of Nigerians part of his political commentary, warning that hardship, rising living costs and public dissatisfaction could influence the 2027 contest.

His latest remarks come amid increasing political activity ahead of the election, with religious organisations, political parties and prominent individuals beginning to take clearer positions on the emerging contest.

The endorsement by the Charismatic Bishops Conference has already generated debate. While the group said its decision was informed by its assessment of Tinubu’s appointments and policies, critics have questioned whether religious institutions should formally endorse political candidates.

Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, for instance, criticised the bishops’ decision and argued that religious leaders should be able to participate in politics as individuals without turning places of worship into campaign platforms.

For Tinubu, the endorsement represents an effort by a Christian organisation to publicly support his re-election despite the controversy that surrounded the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of 2023. Kawas said the conference had initially been concerned about the ticket but later became convinced by Tinubu’s appointments and his handling of religious representation.

Ayodele, however, maintains that political support from religious leaders should be measured against the realities confronting ordinary Nigerians.

The competing positions underline the increasingly political role of religious voices as the 2027 election approaches. While supporters of Tinubu point to government appointments and policy changes as reasons for backing the President, critics continue to focus on the cost of living and other economic pressures.

With the presidential contest still months away, endorsements from religious and other influential groups are likely to remain a significant part of the political debate as parties and candidates build their coalitions ahead of the polls.