Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has alleged that some Nigerian politicians have religious leaders on their payroll.
She made the claim on Monday in a post on her verified X account. Her comments followed a prayer session led by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
Yesufu questions role of prayers
According to Yesufu, prayers alone cannot solve Nigeria’s governance challenges.
She argued that politicians accused of poor governance also participate in religious activities. Furthermore, she claimed some religious leaders support them.
“Nigerians want to pray their way to good governance! The same prayers that the politicians giving you bad governance are out-praying you on!”
She added:
“They even have your religious rulers on their payroll. You bring sadaqah and tithes in thousands they bring theirs in billions.”
Umahi responds to Peter Obi
Meanwhile, Dave Umahi insisted that he does not need to be a presidential candidate before debating Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
The minister made the remark in a video shared on Sunday by Imran Muhammad. His comments came days after Obi reportedly declined an invitation to debate their records as former governors.
According to Umahi, supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election makes him part of the 2027 political project.
“I’ve told him that I’m on the ballot.”
He continued:
“You know, when President Bola Tinubu is on the ballot, I’m on the ballot.”
Umahi added:
“Because I don’t want this project to stop. I want it to be completed. So I want all of us together to win with President Bola Tinubu.”
Political debate continues
Umahi maintained that he has every right to defend the administration’s record and challenge its critics.
Meanwhile, Yesufu’s remarks have added another dimension to the debate over governance, religion and politics in Nigeria.
What happens next?
As preparations for the 2027 general election continue, public exchanges among political figures and activists are expected to intensify. Meanwhile, discussions about governance and the role of religious leaders are likely to remain in focus.
