The recently leaked audio, alleged to capture a pre‑election conversation between Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Bishop David Oyedepo, has exposed a striking hypocrisy among Nigeria’s elite. While debates continue over its authenticity, the controversy raises an important question: what is the real fuss about? Anyone who aspires to lead Nigeria must reject the divisiveness displayed by Obi in the alleged recording. Post‑May 2023, the country needs leaders who unite, not those who adopt extreme, hypocritical positions. Nigeria requires a leader for all its citizens.
If the tape is genuine, the level of deference shown by Obi is uncomplimentary, especially given his age. Although Oyedepo is in his late sixties, Obi is already 61, and an eight‑year age gap hardly justifies referring to him as “daddy” repeatedly within five minutes. This behavior appears hypocritical and deceitful. Assuming Oyedepo is indeed the voice on the audio, he said nothing that warrants criticism. He did not condemn any religion; instead, he affirmed that Nigeria belongs to everyone and that no single group can claim ownership. He spoke of good governance, the need to elect honest people, and encouraged listeners to trust in God. He promised to release a “clip,” which may seem like a campaign move, but there is nothing inherently wrong with that. As a Nigerian, Oyedepo has every right to hold and share opinions, and his role as a religious leader does not preclude him from doing so.
It is clear that congregations contain members with diverse party affiliations and convictions. A pastor’s sermon does not automatically translate into votes for the pastor’s preferred candidate. People attend churches and mosques daily, hear calls to flee sin, yet still commit many wrongs against God and fellow humans. While some congregants follow their leaders dogmatically, the majority act according to personal convictions, which may be shaped by party loyalty, religion, ethnicity, or even monetary inducements. Many Nigerians attend worship places without political impact; otherwise, the country would be a more pleasant place to live—a topic for another day.
Turning back to Obi’s conduct, it is a grand hypocrisy to ridicule his “respect” for Oyedepo. Most of us revere intermediaries between the supernatural and the natural. A 20‑year‑old herbalist, for example, is still called “Baba” by faithful patrons in deference to perceived supernatural powers. This reverence extends to pastors, imams, or any religious figure. In the present case, the cleric is older than the politician, yet younger religious leaders often receive deference from older individuals, so the dynamic is not surprising. Private conversations should allow participants to speak freely, behave as they wish, and even deceive each other, confident that no one else will know. The growing trend of turning confidential Nigerian conversations into public resources is far more concerning than the salacious content itself. We must beware of a brutal political climate where private talks go viral without consent, as such practices can ignite national conflagrations.
Elections in Nigeria are effectively wars. Given the high stakes, politicians and their allies employ any means necessary to win, whether through identity politics, religion, ethnicity, brigandage, or incumbency. Winning at all costs dominates the political landscape. The 2023 elections illustrate this: the All Progressive Congress (APC) fielded a Muslim‑Muslim ticket, believing northern Muslims would distrust a southern candidate, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) countered by highlighting APC’s insensitivity to religious polarity and selecting a Christian running mate. The Labour Party was accused of exploiting religious sentiments from the outset. Spokespersons Daniel Bwala (PDP) and Festus Keyamo (APC) repeatedly portrayed Obi’s campaign as rooted in ethnic and religious bias, reinforcing opponents’ allegations that Obi’s suggestion of “religious warfare” contradicted his public denials.
Indeed, the election was a war. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) openly opposed the APC ticket, urging members to vote against it. Likewise, the Muslim Rights Concern seized every opportunity to comment on Muslim political rights, remaining silent only when the APC announced its Muslim‑Muslim ticket. On Monday, the group advised President Joe Biden to disregard Nigerian protests over the election outcome. There is no pretense: major religions in Nigeria scramble for political office by any means.
Obi’s remarks therefore reflect, rather than introduce, the conduct of political leaders and some citizens. Promoting divisiveness, however, is detrimental to the country’s future. The post‑election campaign of digging up dirt and weaponising differences threatens stability. Instead of condemning Obi—who has already lost—the nation should urge incoming leaders to inspire hope, treat all citizens fairly regardless of spiritual affiliation, and work tirelessly to alleviate poverty. While Nigerians love to serve God, much of the current extremism stems from a fragile hope that religion seems to provide.
Finally, the new government must reduce the size of the state and lower the stakes of public office. Desperation drives people to extreme measures to attain power; making government participation less attractive will ensure that only the most qualified individuals occupy these positions.
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