The Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, David Oyedepo, has reiterated that politics is not part of his calling, declaring that even an offer of $1 billion would not lure him into political office.
He made this declaration on Saturday while delivering a sermon titled “The Last Days Are Ordained the Groundbreaking Days of the Church of Christ” during the impartation service of the church’s annual convention, Shiloh 2025.
The six-day event, held at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, is themed “Breaking New Grounds.”
Addressing thousands of congregants, Oyedepo clarified that although the Church has a mandate to rule, it should not be mistaken for seeking political power or elective positions.
“The idea of ‘ruling’ ascribed to the Church should not be mistaken for holding political office,” he stressed, noting that leadership and influence extend across business, enterprise, and other fields of human endeavor.
The cleric highlighted that many church members are already “ruling” by employing thousands and heading successful organizations, emphasising that authority and impact go beyond elected positions such as local government chairmen.
He also stressed the importance of economic empowerment, noting that God is enriching believers to take leading roles in their professions and areas of expertise.
“Jesus will not come until the church is ruling in the midst of its enemies. I don’t want politicians to be jittery—we are not talking about political leadership; that is inclusive, but ruling. At my small level, I have the privilege of a president welcoming me to his nation at the port. If you give me a billion dollars, I won’t move near politics. It is off my calling.
“I’m not in politics, and I have never been in politics, but I’m ruling now, am I not? Are there no businessmen in this church who are ruling with thousands of labourers or workforce working for them? That is ruling. It is not that you are a local government chairman then you are ruling—that is not what we are talking about.
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender, so God is enriching the church for enthronement in their various areas of engagement,” he said.
Oyedepo further noted that while some individuals are divinely called to politics and will excel there, those who enter without such a calling risk losing their dignity and public respect.
“There are those who are called in there, He will decorate them there. There are those who are not called there—they will lose their dignity and respect because they dabbled in there,” he added.
Finally, the cleric addressed criticisms and reports about him, explaining that he intentionally avoids responding to such narratives to focus on productive pursuits.
“The energy I need to reply to you is the same energy I need to make progress,” Oyedepo said, adding that he prefers to channel his strength into positive growth rather than public engagements.
