The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned Nigerian youth against putting their lives at risk for politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a viral video spotted on social media, the cleric described Nigerian politicians as self-serving individuals who habitually exploit and abandon people, including religious leaders, after achieving their political ambitions.

Warning young citizens not to allow themselves to be manipulated for financial inducements such as ₦500,000 or ₦1,000,000, Primate Ayodele emphasized that political rivals are actually friends behind closed doors while their supporters bear the consequences of election violence.

“Don’t die for politicians, Tinubu and Atiku they’re friends. You will only fight and kill yourselves. You will lose and your family will lose. Adeleke and Oyetola will greet themselves after. Don’t let them use you because of the ₦1million or the ₦500, 000 they will give you. If you lose your leg or get kidnapped, it is your own headache,”

Highlighting that politicians would never send their own family members or children into political conflicts, the cleric warned the youth that suffering injuries, kidnapping, or loss of life during political clashes would ultimately be their personal tragedy.

Urging young voters to exercise wisdom and avoid being used as tools for violence, he reiterated that no politician is worth dying for, as they remain "use-and-dump" figures who operate solely in their own self-interest.

“They will use and dump you. They are ingrates. They are devils! They even use pastors like us. I am only advising the youth. Can these politicians send their children or any of their families to war? Do not let them use you,” he said.

His comments come just after the just ended Osun State elections which saw incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke retain his seat.

"Nigerian politicians are use-and-dump. They are ev!l. They even use people like us. The 2027 election is coming soon, so don’t let Nigerian politicians use you. If anything happens to you, it’s your headache" — Primate Elijah Ayodele warns the youth pic.twitter.com/uaSwAw0Y04

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) August 17, 2026