Politics
June 12: The making of Democracy Day
From 2019, June 12 has been celebrated as the authentic ‘Democracy Day,’ instead of May 29, which is the handover date. Former President Muhammadu Buhari also made it a holiday.
Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU of The Nation Newspaper writes on the significance of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election won by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari drew the curtains on the raging controversy. In 2019, it was over. June 12, and not May 29, became the authentic ‘Democracy Day.’
To the former President, June 12 was more suitable as Democracy Day because of its place in the nation’s history. On that day, 31 years ago, the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola, won the presidential election under the Babangida transition programme. But the historic poll, which was universally adjudged to be free and fair, was criminally annulled by the former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, thereby setting off a chain of reactions.
Abiola fought a hard battle, which he eventually lost in the detention on July 7, 1998. Although he did not get the crown of a winner, his immortalisation has become a psychological palliative and a soothing balm. Remarkably, Buhari gave Abiola a posthumous award of Grand Commander of the Order of Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest in the land
To many observers, June 12 poll was a watershed. Before and after it, Nigeria has not conducted a more credible exercise. It has remained a reference point for obvious reasons. The election unified Nigeria. Also, it expressed the country’s capacity for democratic resilience and sanctity of the ballot box. It was the symbol of the epic struggle for liberation under neo-colonial military adventurists.
Domestic monitors and foreign observers were unanimous that June 12 was the freest and fairest in the country. It was the climax of the elongated transition programme midwived by Babangida, who tossed millions of Nigerians around with his political experiments that were designed to fail. June 12 underscored the audacity of hope and its illusion under an insincere military ruler whose hand was heavy on the country. Its annulment was the height of betrayal by the gap-tooth General.
Reflecting on the protracted struggle, activist-lawyer and politician Dr. Tunji Abayomi said the hand of the military was heavy on the crusaders. Recalling that he was detained for five years, he said civil rule was not restored in 1999 on a platter of gold. “People in government now behave as they like, oblivious of the hard battles fought by the pro-democracy elements,” he added.
There were many casualties before the historic exercise. Old politicians of the first and second republics and some new breed were banned by the military after spending so much to campaign as presidential candidates. They were also clamped into detention along with their associates. The victims were Lema Jubril, the late Major Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua, Chief Olabiyi Durojaye, Mallam Adam Ciroma, Chief Layi Balogun, Chief Emanuel Nwayanwun, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Olu Falae and Dr. Olusola Saraki.
When the old brigade was shoved aside, the new brigade took the central stage. The two candidates-Abiola of the SDP and Alhaji Othman Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC)- emerged from rigorous presidential primaries, following the exclusion of prominent chieftains from the exercise through the curious ban.
Abiola’s running mate was Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, former SDP national chairman, while Tofa’s running mate was Sylvester Ugoh, former governor of Central Bank of ill-fated Biafra. But, it was evident that the Abiola/Kingibe ticket was more formidable. It was unstoppable, even by the military.
On poll day, Nigerians were determined to draw the curtains on military rule. They were not swayed by the campaign by the Association for Better Nigeria (ABN), led by the maverick, Senator Arthur Nzeribe. Nigerians trooped out from across the federation to exercise their franchise. There was no disruption. The National Electoral Commission(NEC), led by Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, was up and doing.
The poll became a model. Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe and religion, thronged the polling booths to elect Abiola as president. Up to now, they are still awaiting the results. The effort was in vain. A winner emerged. But, military cruelty aborted the collective dream. Never has a country been ambushed by the soldiers of fortune.
Lagos lawyer Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), while speaking on the importance of the election, said those in the army barracks voted massively for Abiola, wondering why Babangida and his cohorts still went ahead to cancel the results.
Initially, Nigerians were united in their condemnation of the annulment and setting up of the interim contraption headed by the late Chief Ernest Sonekan. But as the battle raged, many wavered in their spirits. They failed to uphold the truth.
Decades after the annulment, the bewildered nation-state is yet to recover from the colossal damage. June 12 was a pan-Nigeria movement. The goal was to halt military brutality and enthrone a legitimate leader with a national outlook. The exercise ended the partisan divisions cruelly exploited by self-serving leaders. The victor, Abiola, became a prisoner. He never returned from detention alive. Before he passed on in mystetious circumstances, his wife, Kudirat, was murdered for agitating for de-annullment of the election.
Had the political listened to the voice of readon and wisdom, perhaps, the situation would have been different. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo had predicted doom when many Nigerians embraced the Babangida transition programme. Having worked with the military, he understood the mindset of the soldiers. Military rulers, including Gen. Yakubu Gowon, under whom he served as minister, was reluctant to vacate power until he was toppled by Gen. Muritala Mohammed in 1975. Awo also knew that Babangida, the ‘Evil Genius’ from Minna, was full of prevarication.
When Awo declined to participate in the discussion on the country’s political future by the Political Bureau headed by Dr Sam Cookey, he shunned the invitation. The sage declared that Nigeria had embarked on a fruitless search for democracy, adding that, when they imagined that the new order had arrived, they would be terribly disappointed.
Having studied IBB’s chameleon’s styles, Awo urged his followers to exercise caution and learn to deal with IBB with a long spoon. A few months later, the great politician passed on.
Between and 1986 and 1993, Nigeria became another IBB laboratory, where various kinds of experiments were carried out. On three occasions, the transition programme was postponed by the military president without any convincing explanation. Babangida cajoled unsuspecting politicians into forming political parties, which, according to the guidelines, should have national spread. When the electoral commission came up with their result sheets, they, in IBB’s reckoning, failed to measure up. The hammer fell on the 23 political associations. When politicians were banned, unbanned, detained, released and re-detained, the late Fawehinmi cried out that the entire transition programme was a fraud.
However, after the initial successful primaries, the exercise was cancelled and participants were banned. Suddenly, the parties were in want of candidates. It was at that stage that Abiola and Tofa appeared on the scene.
Abiola was a veteran presidential aspirant, even at that stage. Ten years earlier, he had wanted to contest on the platform of the banned National Party of Nigeria (NPN). His albatross was the Transport Minister, the late Dr. Umaru Dikko, who organised the party secretariat be shut its door to deny him nomination form. When Abiola emerged as the SDP candidate, he was perceived as a stranger. Kingibe, who later became his running mate, following pressures by the 14 SDP state chairmen, described him as someone who was on the sideline, only to come and reap where he did not sow.
Abiola actually consulted with his bosom friend, Babangida, who gave his blessing. He also apologised to the Awoists over his alleged sins against Chief Awolowo. The Awoist group, led by Chief Adekunle Ajasin, resolved to support him. Many people recalled his philanthropic activities. His message of hope, particularly the abolition of poverty, was captivating. In his native Ogun State, former Governor Olusegun Osoba prepared the ground for him, urging the stakeholders to see him as the son of the soil.
The presidential debate was interesting. Abiola dwarfed Tofa because of his grasps of the situation; the economy, politics, security and other challenges. Kingibe, a vocal diplomat, also beat Ugoh during the televised debate.
On poll day, Nigerians were united by the festival of political change. Nature was kind and the weather was benevolent. It was during the raining season, but there was no downpour. On long queues, voterd were orderly as they cast their votes for candidates of their choice. As news filtered that MKO had won, the prices of goods and services came down.
Abiola polled 8,341,399, which represented 58.36 per cent, defeating his rival, Tofa. Even, in Kano, where Tofa hails from, the SDP won. The results were being released in droves and Abiola was leading. Suddently, the umpire was stuck. It could not proceed with the residue of the assignment. The country was enveloped by tension.
Abiola, Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, cried foul. A man of valour, he fought the military without the gun. He resisted frantic attempts to compromise him. At Epetedo, Lagos, he declared himself President, based on the unofficial results. He took a great risk. The consequence was fatal. Abiola declared: “On that day (August 27, 1993), the people of Nigeria, through their democratic expressions of June 12, 1993, expected me to assume the reins of government. I fully intend to keep that date with history.”
However, on August 27, 1993, Babangida set up an interim contraption headed by Shonekan, after he stepped aside ingloriously. While progressive elements, including Pa Ajasin, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, Falae, Senators Iyocha Ayu, Bol Tinubu, Nwite, Bola Ige, Anthony Enahoro, Arthur Nwankwo, Ndubusi Kanu, Frank Kokori, Ayo Adebanjo, Olaniwun Ajayi, Balarabe Musa, Amos Akingba, Alani Akinrinade, and Beko ransom-Kuti decried the annulment, others like Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo said, although it was lamentable, the setting up of the ING was understandable.
Sonekan was like an interloper; a nominal head of an unwanted caretaker government. He was not in charge of anything. The ING collapsed when Justice Dolapo Akinsanya ruled that it was illegal. Three months after the setting up of ING, Gen. Sani Abacha sacked the ING and set up a full military regime, after cajoling the political class to stabilise his regime. In their naivety, the so-called experienced politicians agreed to collaborate with Abacha and accepted ministerial positions in his government. Later on, many of them were unceremoniously removed. They carry the label of inordinate participation up to now.
As the clamour for the de-annulment of June 12 intensified, the military was on the prowl. Pro-democracy crusaders, including Tinubu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Enahoro, Akinrinade, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Raph Obiorah, Amos Akingba and Wale Oshun-fled abroad. From there, they continued to fire salvos at the Abacha government.
Arsonists visited the residences of Akinrinade amd Akingba in Ikeja to wreck havoc. Abacha asked Marshall Ndubusi Kanu to leave the crowd of civilian fighter, pick up his gun and face him as a soldier. He was harrassed. His business was destroyed.
Before he fled abroad, Senator Bola Tinubu’s life was on the line. He and his colleague, Senatir Abu Ibrahim, were detained. When Abu was released, he refused to leave the police station, demanding for Tinubu’s release.
Tinubu was later declared wanted by the military. His international passport had been impounded. He had to go underground. On October 9, 1993, his house on Victoria Island, Lagos, was petrol-bombed. He also received threats on the telephone. He had to disguise as a ‘mallam’ on a motorbike to escape from the country through the ‘NADECO route’ to Benin Republic.
As the June 12 battle dragged on, some crusaders became weary. Religion and ethnicity were invoked. The struggle adorned an ethnic colouration. Gradually, the rank of June 12 travellers was divided. Some crusaders, including Lateef Jakande, Abubakar Rimi and Ebenezer Babatope, were trapped in the Abacha Government. It was suicidal to resign.
Abiola was sent into ‘prison’ without trial. He never returned alive. His business empire was crippled. His supporters, wives and concubines dispersed. Although the brave High Court Judge, Akinsanya, declared Shonekan’s ING illegal, the verdict fell on deaf ears.
Later, political jobbers put the June 12 poll behind them as they jostled for seats in the 1994 National Conference set up by Abacha. The Ibadan politician, the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, came up with inexplicable bail conditions for Abiola, who turned it down, vowing not to let Nigerians down.
June 12 continued to torment the military after Abiola’s death. Although Abacha passed on before Abiola, the symbol of the struggle was not released by Abacha’s successor, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. The circumstances surrounding Abiola’s death has remained in the realm of conjecture.
The June 12 struggle may, in part, be described as a lost battle. However, it gave birth to the clamour for restructuring by Afenifere. It also led to a power shift to the Southwest. However, the beneficiaries of the struggle in 1999 were the same class of politicians, military confederates and cronies, whose activities culminated into the June 12 debacle.
For two decades, there was an argument over whether May 29 or June 12 should be Democracy Day. On the two extremes of the debate are Obasanjo and Tinubu. To the former president, May 29 should be Democracy Day.
His reason was that on May 29, 1999, democracy was restored to Nigeria, following a successful transition programme midwived by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. The process threw up Obasanjo as a civilian president.
Obasanjo may not understand the significance of June 12. He was not one of the pro-June 12 crusaders. In fact, he said Abiola was not the messiah Nigeria was waiting for. He also supported the setting up of the ING.
In the opinion of Tinubu, many Nigerians are emotionally attached to June 12 than May 29. Since 1999, pro-democracy forces have always celebrated democracy on June 12, owing to its symbolism and what Abiola stood for in his lifetime. Also, progressive administrations in the Southwest have always declared a public holiday to mark June 12 since 1999.
Reference has always been made to June 12 as a model exercise that the nation should strive to re-enact in the national interest. But, there have been gaps between expectation and reality.
The heroes of June 12 are too numerous. Apart from the symbol, Abiola, others are Kudirat Abiola, Ajasin, Adesanya, Adebanjo, Olaniwun Ajayi, Tinubu, Durojaye, Ganiyu Dawodu, Fawehinmi, Wole Soyinka, Lam Adesina, Alfred Rewane, Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Cornelius Adebayo, Ndubusi Kanu, Abu Ibrahim, Polycarp Nwite, Senator Dantoro, Ibrahim Tahir, Ayo Opadokun, Falae, Arthur Nwankwo, Obiorah, Enahoro, Olawale Oshun, Ige, Dan Suleiman, Akinrinade, Olisa Agbakoba, Frank Kokori, Ndubusi Kanu, Prof. Nwosu, Olawale Oshun, Akingba, Justice Akinsanya, Ademola Adeniji-Adele, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Femi Lanlehin, Wahab Dosunmu, Femi Falana, Balarabe Musa, Tunji Abayomi, Tunji Adebiyi, Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Joe Igbokwe, and Okunrinboye.
-The Nation
Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has now made his move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) official.
The governor formally joined the ruling party today, ending weeks of speculation and confirming his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Crowds stormed Yenagoa as the event kicked off early. Supporters from different parts of the state arrived before dawn, some drenched from an early morning downpour but still determined to witness the historic switch.
By 8am, major streets were already filled with people singing and beating drums in celebration.
The Samson Siasia Stadium, venue of the ceremony, reached full capacity before 10am. Security operatives later shut the gates, citing safety concerns as thousands continued to attempt entry.
Many supporters in white-themed outfits and party colours remained outside, chanting and waving flags.
Diri, who dumped the PDP about two weeks ago, stood before party leaders and loyalists to make the defection formal.
“Bayelsa Governor Diri Officially Defects to APC,” the announcement read at the event, sealing his transition from the opposition party to the ruling APC.
Several high-profile politicians were present to welcome him.
Top dignitaries already in Yenagoa include the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Also in attendance were Ondo State Governor, Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole; and the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh.
Party leaders praised the decision and described it as a major boost for the APC in the South-South.
They also assured supporters that the move would bring “development and stronger political alignment” for the region.
Diri’s switch ends years of association with the PDP, where he rose to become governor in 2020 and secured re-election in 2023 before dumping the party earlier this month.
The Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment to grassroots development, particularly the ongoing construction of the Ekpan-Ovu to Erhoike Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
Prof. Tonukari gave the commendation when he hosted the Ward 11 Executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his country home in Isiokolo, in a meeting aimed at strengthening the party’s structure and fostering unity at the grassroots.
He described the Ekpan-Ovu to Erhoike project as a transformative infrastructure initiative that will ease mobility, boost local commerce, and improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of residents of the area.
The Commissioner expressed deep appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for his inclusive leadership and developmental vision, noting that such projects transcend party lines and directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
“The commencement of work on the Ekpan-Ovu to Erhoike Road is a testimony to Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to balanced development across Delta State,” Prof. Tonukari stated.
“We must continue to support his administration because progress knows no political boundary, it benefits all.”
He also lauded APC members in Ward 11 for their cooperation and for warmly welcoming recent defectors from the PDP, describing their attitude as evidence of the party’s unifying spirit and growing momentum.
In his remarks, the Ward Chairman, Mr. Roji Lawrence, applauded Prof. Tonukari for his humility, accessibility, and leadership, describing the meeting as historic and inspiring.
He said it provided clarity on current political developments and strengthened the collective resolve of members to move the ward and the party forward.
The meeting, which drew notable party stakeholders, ended on a positive note with renewed pledges of unity, loyalty, and grassroots mobilization, further highlighted Prof. Tonukari’s inclusive approach to leadership and his commitment to community development.
Donald Trump, the president of the United States, has ordered the Defense Department to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria if the government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has revealed what it described as betrayal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This statement is coming on the heels of the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
US President Donald Trump recently reinstated Nigeria on the religious freedom watchlist, alleging targeted attacks against Christians. MURIC says the move stemmed from petitions submitted by some Christian leaders to US authorities, a development it strongly condemned, Vanguard reported.
In a statement issued by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC expressed disappointment with CAN, saying the association failed to defend the country and the President.
“Despite vehement denial of Christian genocide by the Nigerian government, former US President Donald Trump redesigned Nigeria as a country of particular concern,” Akintola said. According to him, Christian leaders had lobbied US lawmakers with what he called “frivolous claims” that only Christians were victims of insecurity in Nigeria.
“Instead of debunking this false and misleading narrative, CAN simply amplified it. CAN’s action is a stab in the back in view of President Tinubu’s preference of Christians in appointments, favours and privileges over and above his Muslim brethren,” he added.
MURIC insisted that the CPC label does not reflect Nigeria’s realities, describing the designation as based on exaggerated claims.
“This redesignation is blurred, misplaced and distorted. It is a complete misrepresentation of the true picture on ground in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The group argued that both Muslims and Christians have suffered attacks from terrorists and criminal gangs, warning against what it called “fifth columnists” fueling sectarian narratives, Daily Trust reported.
MURIC stressed that President Tinubu has given Christians significant representation in government appointments, citing his own public figures.
“The president himself confirmed that 62% of all appointments went to the Christians. The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was even more generous to them than Father Christmas,” the group stated.
It further argued that CAN’s support for petitions to foreign governments amounted to disloyalty. “President Tinubu does not deserve this. It is the Mother of all Betrayals, and we denounce those behind the report in the strongest terms,” Akintola said.
While acknowledging US foreign policy priorities, MURIC said Nigerians must avoid giving foreign nations grounds to interfere in internal affairs.
“We are nonplussed by the actions of these Christian leaders, most especially that of CAN, which is expected to know better,” it noted.
The group called on religious leaders to prioritise national unity and avoid narratives it believes could damage the country’s global standing.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has removed Hon. Abubakar Suleiman Gummi from his seat in the House of Representatives for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), according to Politics Nigeria.
Gummi, who represents Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, was sacked on Thursday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who also directed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to stop recognising him as a member of the lower chamber.
In his judgment, Justice Egwuatu ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat. The certified true copy of the judgment was sighted on Friday.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State Chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki. The plaintiffs, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ibrahim Bawa, contended that Gummi’s defection violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), since there was no division in the PDP at the time he left the party.
They asked the court to declare Gummi’s defection unconstitutional and to compel the Speaker to declare his seat vacant.
In his defence, Gummi argued through his counsel that his defection was necessitated by internal crises within the PDP both at the national and state levels, which, he claimed, made it impossible for him to effectively represent his constituents.
Justice Egwuatu, however, dismissed the lawmaker’s argument, holding that the evidence before the court did not establish any division within the PDP capable of justifying defection.
In a scathing remark, the judge condemned what he described as the “growing culture of political prostitution” among elected officials who switch parties without relinquishing the mandate given to them by voters.
“Politicians should respect the wishes of the electorate that elected them into office. When voters choose between political parties based on their manifestos, it is legally and morally wrong for an elected person to abandon the party under which he was elected and move to another without relinquishing that mandate,” Justice Egwuatu said.
He added: “If a person must decamp, don’t decamp with the mandate of the electorate. A politician has no such right to transfer votes garnered on the platform of one party to another. The law must punish such moves by taking away the benefits bestowed upon the decampee politician. Political prostitution must not be rewarded.”
As the race for political office intensifies ahead of the upcoming elections scheduled between 2025 and 2027, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken decisive action against several aspiring political parties.
On Thursday, INEC announced a noteworthy decision regarding the registration status of these parties, effectively disqualifying them from participating in the electoral process.
This information was confirmed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, who addressed the matter in an official statement, shedding light on the dynamic landscape of political participation in the country.
The commission held its regular meeting on 30th October 2025 to review progress since an earlier update on 11th September.
Fourteen associations had been pre-qualified to participate in the process, which began with a briefing on September 17.
A dedicated portal for submitting required documents was open from September 18 to October 18.
As of October 19, eight associations had submitted all the necessary documents.
The commission said, “As of Saturday, 19th October 2025, eight out of the 14 pre-qualified associations successfully completed the upload of all necessary information and documentation.
“The associations are: All Democratic Alliance, Citizens Democratic Alliance, Abundance Social Party, African Alliance Party, Democratic Leadership Alliance, Green Future Party, National Democratic Party, and Peoples Freedom Party.”
The commission further stated that the next step involves a detailed verification of the submitted documents to determine compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s regulations for political parties.
“The next step in the registration process is the detailed assessment and verification of the information and documents submitted by each association.
“This stage will ensure conformity with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties (2022),” the statement explained.
Olumekun added, “The commission wishes to reaffirm its commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and the deepening of Nigeria’s democratic culture.”
INEC previously received a total of 171 letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties.
Politics
Anger From The Altar: Why Deeper Life Church Elders Are Not Happy With Founder, Pastor William Kumuyi
The Deeper Life Bible Church has been prominently featured in the media recently due to the ongoing succession race following the leadership of Pastor William Kumuyi, the church’s founder.
The controversy has evidently taken a toll on Pastor Kumuyi, who expressed deep emotional distress while addressing the matter from the pulpit, coming close to tears.
Many have found this development quite unusual. This is because the Deeper Life Bible Church has been a closely-knit conventional church that rarely gets involved in controversies.
This is because the church runs a system that is both conventional and rigid, which leaves very little room for frivolities to infiltrate the church’s structure and doctrines. In many ways, the entire operation of the church revolves around the church’s founder and General Superintendent, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi and it has been working perfectly for the ministry until recently when the leadership crisis erupted.
The troubles began a few months ago when some senior church members speculated that Pastor Kumuyi had relocated to England. His absence resulted from attending various conferences and crusades abroad. During his time away, the church found itself without a leader, as noted by a youth pastor who spoke to us confidentially. He explained, “Deeper Life is a unique church where activities are closely monitored from the top. However, things began to decline while the General Overseer was away for several months. Without his guidance, branches and pastors started to act independently; everyone was doing as they pleased.”
The youth pastor further elaborated that some senior pastors, who have contributed significantly to the church’s growth alongside the General Overseer, felt they deserved more authority and respect. They believe they should hold more prominent positions within the church hierarchy. Some members expressed concern about Pastor Kumuyi’s age and felt the church needed a new direction to expand beyond its current operations.
According to the youth pastor, while Pastor Kumuyi was away, some senior members convened to discuss the necessity of having a leader to coordinate church activities. Some even suggested that the General Overseer could pass leadership to a younger individual.
In response to these developments a few weeks ago, Pastor Kumuyi spoke from the pulpit and was visibly emotional about the situation.
He has expressed significant displeasure regarding subtle agitations within the church concerning his potential successor. He questioned whether church members are tired of him and emphasized that no one can exert control over him.
During a recent Bible study program, which was shared online, Pastor Kumuyi appeared visibly agitated while addressing the congregation. He stated that he would not be stampeded into yielding to the demands of certain elements within the church.
He confronted the issue directly before the audience, asking, “Are you tired of me?” to which the congregation responded with a resounding “Nooo.” The 83-year-old pastor took particular issue with comments made by an unnamed young preacher the previous week, who repeatedly stated, “There is no leadership without a successor.”
“The brother who spoke last Tuesday kept saying there is no leadership without a successor,” Kumuyi noted. “He mentioned it twice, which I found excessive, especially since your father is still here. God will give a successor in His own time,” he asserted.
Pastor Kumuyi emphasized that Biblical precedents illustrate that it is God—not human pressure—who appoints successors. He firmly stated, “You are not going to fight your shepherd, your pilot. I reject any member of the church, whether you are a worker, choir member, or security personnel, who tries to control me. I won’t even take that from my wife because I am the head of my home. I stand where I stand, and nobody will put me under pressure.”
He urged church members not to undermine his mission and warned against any attempts to sway him. “Don’t try to kill my conviction. It will only make me resist you so that when you get to the other side, you won’t say I didn’t warn you. I will continue to remind you of this until I leave,” he said.
Pastor Kumuyi explained that he has deliberately created opportunities for many gifted individuals within the church to preach, but he insisted that the matter of his successor is ultimately “in the hands of God.” He stated, “If God has provided you with a pastor who is still active at this age, with a strong voice, preaching the gospel everywhere, and you are clamoring for a successor, it makes me think you are tired of seeing me around. You don’t want me to feel like I’m imposing myself on you.”
While acknowledging that there will eventually be a successor, Kumuyi maintained that this transition will occur on divine terms. He added, “When the time comes, God will choose a man after His own heart. Don’t try to drive me away, even though I know…”
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