Odumeje Slams Tinubu, Claims Politicians Praising President Have Been ‘Bribed’

Popular Anambra-based cleric Chukwuemeka “Odumeje” Ohanaemere has sparked fresh political debate after alleging that public officials and politicians defending President Bola Tinubu are doing so because they have been “bribed.”

The outspoken preacher made the remarks in a video that circulated widely on social media on Thursday, where he criticised the Tinubu administration over the country’s economic challenges, rising hardship and recent comments by the President on hunger in Nigeria.

Odumeje argued that elected leaders are entrusted with managing the nation’s resources on behalf of citizens, insisting that public office should never be treated as a platform for personal or family enrichment.

“Anyone you see singing praises for the current government is doing so because that person has been bribed. Whether you forced your way into government or the people elected you, you are there to manage our resources, not your personal business or your family’s business,” he said.

The cleric also questioned the defence mounted by some governors and senators following President Tinubu’s statement that hunger had existed in Nigeria even before he was born. He accused political office holders of placing their personal interests above the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Odumeje urged Nigerians to use their votes to hold political leaders accountable. He said the elections would give citizens the opportunity to decide whether the country’s resources should continue to benefit a privileged few or serve the interests of all Nigerians.

“In 2027, we shall decide if it’s you, governor or senator, whose family owns Nigeria, or whether all of us own Nigeria,” he said, adding that many politicians focus on securing wealth for themselves before relocating abroad after leaving office.

The controversial preacher maintained that leadership demands honesty, responsibility and accountability. He praised politicians who openly acknowledge the country’s challenges instead of blaming previous administrations or political opponents.

Odumeje also criticised the Federal Government’s borrowing, insisting that Nigerians deserve a full account of how loan proceeds are being spent since the debts will ultimately be repaid by current and future generations.

“The money you borrow, you borrow in all our names. So you must account for it, because that debt falls on our heads, and on the future of all our children,” he added.