By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

As Nigerians prepare for the 2027 general elections, the Prelate of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, His Most Eminence, Dr. David Bob-Manuel, has cautioned against vote-buying and electing leaders based on sentiment rather than competence.

Speaking during a special visit to Cherubim and Seraphim churches in Ijebu Province, Dr. Bob-Manuel noted that such negative electoral practices often result in the emergence of unqualified leaders, thereby undermining national development and the collective aspiration for a better country.

He said, “when electorates allow sentiment or inducement to influence their choices, it brings the wrong people into positions of authority. This ultimately frustrates our desire to build a nation we can all be proud of.”

The cleric also called on the Church to remain neutral in political matters, stressing the need to avoid partisanship while focusing on spiritual guidance for the nation.

According to him, “the Church is not supposed to get involved in partisan politics. We have members across different political parties, and the Church must remain a home for all. We cannot afford to be partial.”

He added, “rather, we should pray that the Almighty God directs the people to choose the right leaders at both state and national levels.”

Dr. Bob-Manuel emphasised that the fear of God remains critical in addressing the numerous challenges confronting the country.

“I appeal to Nigerians to fear God and keep His commandments. When we present our challenges before Him, He will guide us in choosing the right leaders. But when we act solely on our own, we are bound to make costly mistakes that lead to regret,” he said.

He further urged voters to be guided by conscience and informed judgment during elections.

“We know those seeking our votes; they live among us and are not strangers. We are aware of their capabilities. Yet, instead of voting wisely, some people allow themselves to be swayed by money or material inducements. By doing so, they are selling their conscience, and the outcome may not reflect the collective interest.”

“Nigerians must vote for candidates with proven capacity to lead, not based on sentiment or personal gain. Only then can we achieve the leadership the country deserves,” he added.

Explaining the purpose of his visit, the Prelate said it was part of the Church’s longstanding tradition of periodic engagements with its members.

“This visit is to assess the well-being of the body of Christ in Ijebuland, offer support, and provide necessary counsel. It is a routine exercise carried out every three years,” he stated.

Addressing congregants, Dr. Bob-Manuel urged the Church to intensify evangelism efforts and refocus on its core spiritual mandate rather than placing undue emphasis on ordination.

“Ordination is important, but it is not an end in itself. It is a means to edify the body of Christ through soul-winning and the salvation of mankind. We must reduce the glamour attached to it and focus on its true purpose as outlined in Ephesians 4,” he said.

He concluded by calling for renewed commitment to the founding vision of the Church.

“As Christ remains our foundation and chief cornerstone, we must pursue with renewed vigor the original mission of the Church. Particularly in the South-West, we must lead the new wave of revival as we advance into a new century of our existence,” he said