‘They Try To Pay Us To Vote’ – Pastor Adeboye Exposes Nigeria Politicians

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has articulated a profound commentary on the dynamics of political power in Nigeria, expressing concern over the lengths to which politicians will go, including soliciting and even bribing voters, to secure electoral support.

In a recent sermon, Adeboye illustrated the stark disparity between leadership and the general populace, comparing the scenario to individuals at the base of a mountain consuming water that has already been utilized by those at its summit. He emphasized that the privileges associated with political positions elucidate why individuals in pursuit of power often resort to extreme measures to attain it.

“People will drink from the water that the one on top of the mountain had washed into,” Adeboye said. “I’m sure we are not so naive as not to know why people who want to be our rulers come begging us and at times trying to even pay us to vote for them to be presidents and Governors.”

According to the cleric, the allure of political office lies in the elevated status and privileges it offers. Once elected, leaders enjoy exclusive rights and protection that place them above the very citizens who entrusted them with power.

“The moment you become president, shall we say, or governor—hey, when you want to pass, they will close the road for you until you have gone,” Adeboye explained. “Those of us who voted for you, we have to wait.”

He further criticized the double standards in access to basic amenities, noting that power outages and other public failures hardly affect those in authority. “We all know—you don’t have to be told—that if they say there is power failure, it’s not installed in the homes of those at the top,” he remarked.

Adeboye’s message underscored his recurring emphasis on humility and service in leadership. He warned that the pursuit of political office should not be about personal gain but about responsibility and sacrifice. His remarks resonate at a time when Nigerians continue to express frustration over corruption, misuse of power, and the growing gap between leaders and ordinary citizens.

By highlighting the sharp contrast between the experiences of rulers and the ruled, Adeboye sought to remind politicians that their positions are meant to serve the people, not to lord over them. He stressed that true leadership must reflect justice, compassion, and accountability.

The cleric’s sermon also served as a subtle admonition to voters, urging them to recognize their power and responsibility during elections. While politicians may beg or bribe for votes, Adeboye’s message implied that citizens must look beyond temporary inducements and focus on the long-term consequences of their electoral choices.