Osun 2026: Don’t Use Unnecessary Power During August 15 Poll — Cleric Warns Politicians

Azeez Kolapo

The General Overseer of Victory Chapel International Church, Mike Bamidele, has warned politicians against the use of unnecessary power during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the ministers’ conference organised to herald the 2026 Pentecost Day celebration on Monday in Osogbo, the cleric urged political actors and their supporters to embrace peace and avoid violence before, during, and after the election.

He said fear among residents was not only due to politics but also because of the prevailing insecurity in the country.

The cleric encouraged eligible voters not to withdraw from the democratic process, urging influential individuals and community leaders to motivate people to participate in the election peacefully.

According to him, “Let there be peace, let there be non-violence, and let there be no use of unnecessary powers, whether spiritual, federal might, state might, community might, or traditional might.

“The Nigerian voter, by statistics, is already having apathy because of the disappointments they have had in leadership in successive governments. In Osun State, one of the reasons we asked that Pentecost Day be declared a public holiday is to allow the spirit of peace to reign.

“Our governor, by the help of God, is doing great and should be encouraged and supported. Those who also want to do better are free to contest and seek people’s support and votes. If they get it, fine; if they don’t, they should remain peaceful,” he stated.

“This is a contest. There will be a loser and there will be a winner. If you win, rejoice, but don’t kill the other person. If you lose, don’t kill the winner.

“God will always go ahead and make a way for His people. Humanity looks stranded, Nigerians look stranded, and it will take the supernatural power of God to make a way for us. So, for everyone alive on this Pentecost Day, ask the Holy Spirit to make a way for you — in marriage, in business success, in ministry success — and to help you live a holy life through the power of the Holy Ghost,” he said.