A video showing popular cleric, Esther Ajayi, distributing birthday packages branded with the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a church service has triggered widespread reactions across social media.
In the now-viral clip, the preacher was seen sharing the aforesaid food and gift items with congregants.
The development has since stirred debate over the intersection of religion and politics, especially within places of worship.
Several Nigerians have taken to social media to express concern, criticism, and frustration over the incident.
A user, @kolawoledavid21, wrote:
“This is absolutely nonsense, in the church of God 😭 look at what this gospel merchandiser is doing, I know from Adam that the woman is a politician only looking for fame and 💰, turning church to campaign ground wat a shame! So dis government is worthy 2 supot 2nd term? 💔💔💔💔”
Another user, @quad_ab, questioned the role of religious leaders in political accountability, stating, “This is why religious body will never come out to speak against this government see the religious leader that suppose to be against the Government 😫😫😫…how will you now convince the congregation no to vote tinubu 😭😭😭👌”
Also reacting, @fiscotunex commented:
“This is what they have reduced their unsuspecting followers to. It should be evident to everyone now that religion is a tool of politics, used to keep citizens in poverty. Awon Arindin dede. The mandate is hunger, and their religious leaders come with messages of hope for humanity. They engage their followers from Monday to Sunday with church activities, secretly feeding them crumbs while their senses remain asleep.”
In a similar tone, @hadebammy added:
“Tinubu dey share food for church while Nigerians dey share hunger for house 😭💔. This country don reach level wey palliative don turn Sunday service. Instead of fixing the economy, na rice and noodles dem dey distribute like say na end-of-year party. Wàhálà for poor people”
As reactions continue to pour in, the video has reignited conversations around the role of religious institutions in political matters and the growing concerns about economic hardship in the country.
