The Founder and Senior Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and elect candidates capable of delivering good governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ibiyeomie warned voters against exchanging their conscience for financial inducements, stressing that the money offered by politicians during elections could not compensate for the consequences of poor leadership.
The cleric made the appeal during a sermon, where he encouraged Nigerians to prioritise the competence and credibility of candidates over political party affiliations.
His remarks were shared on X on Wednesday by Instablog9ja.
“Never sell your conscience for money. This time vote who can deliver, don’t vote because they gave you money,” Ibiyeomie said.
He cautioned that voters who accept money to support candidates risk enduring the consequences of their electoral decisions long after the financial inducements have been spent.
The pastor also urged Nigerians to look beyond party loyalty and assess candidates based on their capacity to address the country’s challenges, insisting that the ability to deliver should be the primary consideration in choosing political leaders.
His comments come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Nigerians expected to elect a president, members of the National Assembly, governors and state lawmakers.
Vote-buying remains a major concern in Nigeria’s electoral process, as political actors have repeatedly been accused of offering cash and other material benefits to influence voters during elections.
The practice has attracted criticism from electoral authorities, civil society organisations and religious leaders, who have consistently urged citizens to protect the integrity of their votes and demand accountability from elected officials.
