A Nigerian pastor has stirred widespread reactions on social media after declaring that the country’s challenges are not due to a lack of resources or potential, but because governance remains in the hands of what he described as “wicked, selfish and greedy people.”
In a video that has since gone viral, the cleric argued that many of Nigeria’s political leaders allegedly attained power through questionable means, making it unrealistic to expect them to prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens.
‘You Don’t Expect a Thief Not to Steal’
Speaking in the video, the pastor said Nigeria has everything it needs to succeed but continues to struggle because of poor leadership.
“It’s not that Nigeria cannot work. It’s just that governance is in the hands of wicked, selfish, greedy people. You don’t expect a thief not to steal. You don’t expect a wicked person to be nice.”
He continued:
“Somebody that can kill to get power. You want him to give you life when he gets it?”
Pastor Responds to Criticism of Religious Leaders
Addressing criticism often directed at religious leaders over Nigeria’s political situation, the cleric insisted that pastors have consistently encouraged citizens to participate in elections.
“We are men of God. We can’t run for politics, we can’t run for elections. And we’ve been telling you to vote, you refuse to vote. Then you are now blaming us.”
Shares His View on Low Voter Turnout and Election Rigging
The pastor also claimed that low voter turnout creates opportunities for electoral manipulation. According to him, when a large number of registered voters fail to cast their ballots, it allegedly becomes easier for politicians to manipulate election results.
“If everybody votes, they cannot rig.”
Drawing from what he described as personal experience working with a presidential candidate, the cleric claimed that politicians allegedly take advantage of unused votes when voter turnout is low.
“If 100 people register to vote, only 20 come to vote. You have given the politician latitude of 80. So if they lose the election by 10, they can add 30 from those that didn’t vote to the number,” he claimed.
The pastor did not provide evidence to support this assertion, and election manipulation claims should be independently verified.
Calls on Nigerians to Vote
Concluding his message, the cleric urged Nigerians to actively participate in future elections, stressing that high voter turnout remains one of the most effective ways citizens can influence the country’s political direction.
“Want to change Nigeria? Let all of us come and vote.”
The video has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the pastor’s remarks on leadership, civic responsibility, and the role of voter participation in strengthening the country’s democracy.
Watch the video below…
“It’s not that Nigeria cannot work, it’s just that governance is in the hands of wicked, selfish and greedy people” — Pastor says pic.twitter.com/XSecZFFdjn
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) June 26, 2026
