Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Pastor David Ibiyeomie, founder of Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt, has issued a stark warning to Nigerians, urging citizens to reject vote‑buying and resist oppression ahead of the 2027 general elections, while cautioning that if the government continues to ignore the people’s suffering, a “revolution from the masses” could become inevitable. Speaking during a Sunday sermon that went viral on social media, the respected cleric made a passionate appeal for integrity, courage and collective action, declaring: “Never sell your conscience for money. Let Nigeria stand up for the first time and react against whoever wants to oppress them. Revolution from the masses is the worst revolution.”
Ibiyeomie’s message, delivered before a large congregation at the church’s global headquarters in Port Harcourt, struck a chord at a time when the country is grappling with deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity and widespread disillusionment with governance. The pastor advised Nigerians never to exchange their conscience for money or personal benefits, stressing that principles and values should not be sacrificed for temporary gains. According to him, individuals who continuously remain silent in the face of injustice or oppression risk encouraging the very problems they complain about. He challenged Nigerians to develop the courage to speak up and defend what is right, regardless of who is involved, and emphasised that meaningful change often begins when ordinary people decide they have had enough of unfair treatment and refuse to accept it as normal.
The cleric’s remarks were particularly pointed in the context of the 2027 elections, as he warned citizens against the practice of vote‑buying. “If any of you collect money to go and vote, and are saying it’s money I will chop? The money you get before is only for one week. What are the rest of the four years? Never sell your conscience for money,” he said. He urged voters to prioritise competence over party loyalty, stressing, “Don’t vote party, vote who can deliver.”
Ibiyeomie also addressed the growing frustrations among citizens, warning that prolonged hardship and injustice could trigger a mass uprising. He called on leaders to be mindful of the people’s grievances, noting that history has shown that revolutions driven by ordinary people often emerge when populations feel pushed beyond their limits. While urging Nigerians to stand up against oppression through lawful and democratic means, he insisted that lasting change can only come when voters prioritise competence, integrity and the collective interest of the nation over short‑term incentives.
The sermon has generated mixed reactions on social media. Many praised Ibiyeomie for speaking boldly about issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, with one user commending his call for integrity and national consciousness. Others, however, questioned the involvement of religious leaders in political discussions, while some critics accused the pastor of hypocrisy, pointing to the financial expectations placed on church members. Despite the polarised reactions, Ibiyeomie’s message has once again sparked an important conversation about leadership, accountability and the power of the people.
The cleric’s warning about a “mass revolution” comes at a time when Nigeria is facing multiple crises, including a stubborn cost‑of‑living crisis, a spate of mass abductions, and deep distrust in political institutions. In the 2023 election, an estimated 50‑70% of votes in some constituencies were linked to vote‑buying, according to local monitoring groups. As the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum, Ibiyeomie’s call for citizens to reject financial inducements and demand competence may prove to be a defining theme of the political season.
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