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Tension rise as 2.2 million votes decide Edo governor today

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Edo gov poll: Petrol crisis threatens election as APC, PDP set for showdown

As residents of Edo State head to the polls today, the three main political parties have expressed their readiness for the election.

With over 2.2 million permanent voter cards collected, candidates of the parties —Senator Monday Okpebholo (All Progressives Congress), Asue Ighodalo (Peoples Democratic Party), and Olumide Akpata (Labour Party)— are hoping to get the highest number of votes.

The winner will occupy Osadebe House, the government house, which will be vacated on November 11 by the incumbent, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who has served two tenures.

The Publicity Secretary of the APC in the state, Peter Uwadiae, stated that his party was ready for the election.

He said, “Our campaign shows our readiness. We have done that which the law allows us to do and our campaign was issue-based. As a party, I can confirm that we are ready. Our fear is that one of the persons who killed the police officer at the Benin Airport is roaming freely and we hear he is in Edo Central mobilising for trouble and distorting the election, while other PDP leaders are also doing the same in Edo South.”

While expressing readiness for the election, the Deputy Director General of Media for the Asue/Ighodalo campaign, Dr Pedro Obaseki, voiced concerns that the process could be hijacked by thugs.

He stated, “It has come to light that this is part of a larger strategy to compromise these materials in Oredo LGA. Other local governments targeted for similar disruptions include Egor, Uhunmwonde, and parts of Ovia Federal Constituency.”

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The Public Relations Officer of the LP, Sam Uruopa, said Akpata and the party were ready for the polls.

He urged INEC to play by the rules and advised security operatives not to intimidate, harass or molest the electorate.

Uruopa said, “The LP candidate is well prepared, done the needful, gone round 18 LGs and the over 193 wards three times, and he is the only candidate that went to the riverine area with speedboats and he was readily accepted. I can tell you that his preparation is second to none.

“For now, we have not had any fear over the process but we are urging INEC, a Federal Government institution, to be an unbiased umpire and play by the rules of the game.”

The battleground areas

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the major battleground will be in Edo Central, where Okpehbolo and Asue hail from.

The APC candidate has affirmed that he has the backing of the electorate from the zone and expressed hope that his tutelage under the late Tony Anenih will work in his favour.

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Edo North is a stronghold of the APC, but the PDP has made inroads into the zone since the presidential election last year.

This development has been speculated to ruffle some feathers in a zone that a former governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, still holds sway.

The state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, who rejoined APC after his battle with Governor Obaseki, will also pull his weight in Edo North.

After a less-than-impressive performance in the 2023 general election, the APC has made significant strides in recent months, with the return of Mathew Urhoghide and Charles Idahosa—widely regarded as a masterstroke.

On the other hand, Ighodalo who hails from Edo Central, will also be relying on the popularity of his party in some parts of Edo South to emerge as a winner.

Akpata’s emergence as the candidate of the LP came to many as a surprise, but he admitted that the plan, which he termed deliberate, had been on for long.

The LP candidate’s stronghold is in Edo South, where he hails from, but he has toured the entire state to gain more supporters and present his manifesto to the electorate.

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Despite the LP’s success in last year’s general election, the party has not rested on its oars as it is aware that its two main rivals, the APC and PDP are also consolidating in areas where they enjoyed popularity.

INEC calms citizens

To show its readiness for the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission has delivered electoral materials to all the 18 LG offices of the commission.

The Public Relations Officer of the Edo INEC office, Toyin Buoro, confirmed this to the Saturday PUNCH on Friday, adding that the election will begin in all the polling units at the scheduled time.

She said, “All the LG offices of the commission have their material with them. They will be warehoused in the Registration Area Centre in every LG. However, for security, they merged some of the RAC centres to become Super RAC centres, where the supervisors and polling unit officers will also camp for the night for easy access to their polling unit.”

A senior official at INEC assured citizens that the election would be conducted without tension, emphasising that the commission’s officials, security operatives, and other stakeholders would collaborate to ensure the poll’s success.

“The conduct of this election is a big task, which INEC is capable of handling. We are working with the police and other security operatives so that we will have a conducive environment to do the job. Edo people should go out and cast their ballot for the candidate of their choice on Saturday,” the senior official stated.

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The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Onuoha Anugbum, on his part, revealed that he supervised the distribution of the material alongside the INEC commissioner in charge of the state on Thursday.

He said, “We are here at the Central Bank to send the sensitive materials to their various local governments. Before we did that, we signed the materials and took the political parties and the security agencies to observe. To the glory of God, all of them have seen the sensitive materials and we have sent them to the various local governments.

“We started with Edo North, then Edo Central before Edo South Senatorial District. We invited everyone. You know INEC has the tradition of carrying everybody along.

“The sensitive materials include results sheets, voting sheets, we call voting sheets form A, we have form B, which is the ward collation results, form C, which is the local government collation results.”

Tinubu urges peace

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, called on all stakeholders in the election to conduct themselves peacefully.

This was conveyed in a statement signed by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, titled, ‘President Tinubu urges peace and civility in Edo State governorship elections.’

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“The President implores the governorship candidates, political parties, and supporters to respect the democratic process and the people’s will.

“He believes in the voters’ ability to make informed decisions about their future leaders.

“President Tinubu emphasises that democracy thrives on civility, tolerance, patience, and respect for the rules of the game,” the statement partly read.

Tinubu praised the governorship candidates and political parties for their campaigns and expressed confidence in the professionalism and integrity of the security agencies and INEC officials.

Vote-buying, violence worry Yiaga

The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, in a phone interview with Saturday PUNCH, said voter inducement had been observed in the build-up to the Edo election.

He added that political actors had exploited the prevailing economic hardship in the country, weaponising poverty to induce voters by offering free fuel and cash amounts ranging from N1,000 to N2,000.

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Itodo said, “One of the concerns we have noticed and expressed is that what you will see tomorrow is the commercialisation of the voting process, with polling units potentially becoming epicentres of vote buying if security operatives do not hold politicians accountable.

“I am glad to learn that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will be fully present on the ground, but the issue of vote-buying extends beyond just arrests. If you look at the number of prosecutions secured for those who have bought votes, it has been very low, which is why there is such impunity.

“This is a highly competitive election and politicians are exploiting every avenue to secure victory. It will be no surprise that if we go to the polls tomorrow, we will witness all kinds of vote-buying. People may not show up to vote, and politicians might flood the space with money to entice them.”

He further raised concerns about potential violence in Edo South LGA, which was identified as a hot spot for electoral violence.

‘INEC should redeem image’

The Edo State Civil Society Organisations called on INEC to use the governorship election as an opportunity to restore its credibility by ensuring a free, fair poll.

The group, through its Coordinator General, Omobude Agho, made the appeal while addressing journalists in Benin.

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He warned that anything short of a transparent election would further discourage citizens from exercising their voting rights in the future.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission must not discourage genuine voters through its actions or inactions during this Saturday’s Edo State governorship election.

“Tomorrow, Saturday, September 21, 2024, presents another golden opportunity for the commission to redeem its image.

“The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, must inspire confidence in our electoral processes, especially given the questionable and controversial outcomes of previous elections conducted by the commission.

“The continuation of democracy in Nigeria rests on his shoulders as the head of the commission. An umpire must be neutral, just, fair, and trustworthy to earn the confidence of the people,” Agho added.

Agho also commended the temporary suspension of the Edo State Security Network, stressing that the police and other security agencies must remain impartial during the election and ensure the safety of citizens.

He called on the citizens to use their PVC to cast their vote, adding, “It is your ultimate power and a fundamental human right. Do not mortgage or sell it for any amount.”

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The Whillz Trust Foundation, through its Youth-led Electoral Reform Project, said the Edo State election will provide an opportunity for INEC and security agencies to restore confidence in the electoral process.

The Executive Director of Whillz Trust Foundation, Aaron Anyamwu, said, “A free, fair and credible elections in the state would begin the process of restoring the confidence of Edo and Nigerian youth in the electoral process.

The foundation also called on the police to uphold the tenets of professionalism and remain unbiased in carrying out their duties.

IG directs vehicular restriction

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the restriction of movement during the election.

He gave the directive in a statement signed by the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, which was made available to journalists.

“In preparation for the election, the IGP has ordered the restriction of all vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation from 6am to 6pm on Election Day. Exceptions will be made for essential services, including accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.

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“To maintain the integrity of the electoral process, the IGP has implemented a ban on all security aides and escorts accompanying VIPs to polling booths and collation centres. Unauthorised security personnel and quasi-security outfits are prohibited from operating during the election, and the use of sirens by unauthorised vehicles is strictly forbidden to ensure a calm environment for voters.

“The IGP has mandated that special attention be afforded to individuals with disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers, aged, and those with mobility challenges, ensuring that polling stations in both urban and rural settings are accessible to all,” the statement read.

The IG also advised citizens to report any suspicious activities or incidents that might jeopardise the integrity of the electoral process or cause disorderliness in any part of the state.

Panic buying, hotels fully booked

Ahead of today’s election, some residents flocked to various markets for last-minute shopping to beat the restriction of movement order.

In addition to the markets, various motor parks were bustling with activities as commuters were seen travelling to various destinations to cast their votes.

One of our correspondents, who visited Ekpoma Market at Alli Square and its environs in Esan West Local Government Area on Friday, observed a heavy security presence.

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Motorists were also making last-minute purchases at petrol stations to avoid being stranded.

Long queues of vehicles were seen at various petrol stations in the metropolis, including those buying fuel in jerry cans.

Customers also swarmed Automated Teller Machines and POS operators to withdraw cash in preparation for the day.

Despite the rush, the environment remained calm and peaceful, with people going about their normal activities.

At Irrua Market in Esan Central LGA, both buyers and sellers were seen in large numbers, engaging in transactions involving food commodities, groceries, and other sundry items.

Similarly, most hotels visited in the communities were fully booked by party supporters and voters, Saturday PUNCH learnt.

Many people were left stranded and disappointed when informed that no rooms were available.

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At the hotels, there was a heavy security presence, with officers from the Department of State Service and the police on standby.

Edo commissioner raises alarm

Meanwhile, the state government has raised concerns over the action of political thugs allegedly moving to overrun INEC offices in some local government councils in the state.

The government also commended the military for stopping the suspected thugs who it said tried hard to overrun the INEC office in Oredo LGA in the state capital.

Addressing newsmen in Benin, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the government was drawing the attention of Nigerians and the international community to the move by political thugs to seize control of INEC local government council offices across the state.

He said, “Political thugs have taken over INEC offices in Oredo, Estako West, and Esan West local government councils in a bid to hijack the process.

“The soldiers repelled the thugs and they have since moved across the road from the INEC facility.”

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Bayelsa Governor Diri Officially Joins APC

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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.

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“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.

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Prof. Tonukari Hosts Ward 11 APC EXCO, Lauds Gov. Oborevwori For Road Projects

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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.

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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.

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Mother Of All Betrayals: MURIC Reveals Who ‘Betrayed’ Tinubu To Trump

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From Petrol To Gold Resources: List Of Countries US Has Invaded, What Will Happen If Trump Strike Nigeria

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.

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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.

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“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.

 

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Court Sacks House Of Reps Member For Defecting To APC

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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.

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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.”

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INEC Releases 6 Disqualified Political Parties Ahead 2027 Polls

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Anambra 2026: INEC Chairman Sends Strong Warnings Ahead Gov Poll

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.

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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.

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Anger From The Altar: Why Deeper Life Church Elders Are Not Happy With Founder, Pastor William Kumuyi

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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.

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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.

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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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