Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners' Chapel), has declared that he has never campaigned for any politician and does not belong to any political party, during a courtesy visit by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Ogun State, and his wife, Mrs. Temitope Adeola, at Canaanland, Ota, on Friday, October 16.
The cleric's remarks came as Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District and is the APC flagbearer for the 2027 Ogun governorship election, paid what he described as a courtesy call to a "revered spiritual father." Oyedepo's statement, widely quoted from the meeting, read: "I Have Never Campaigned For Anybody Or Speak On Anybody's Behalf And I Will Not Do That Till I Go To Heaven. I Don't Belong To Any Political Party; There's No Political Party In This Country That Don't Come To Me For Prayers."
Visit Highlights and Reactions
Adeola announced the visit on his X account, expressing gratitude for the reception and prayers he received during the meeting. The senator and his wife also toured the ongoing construction of The Ark, a worship centre designed to hold more than 100,000 worshippers at one time, located within the Canaanland grounds.
In a post shared on X after the visit, Adeola described The Ark as "an architectural masterpiece," noting that the delegation was "particularly impressed by the sheer magnitude of the project, its breathtaking architectural design, sophisticated engineering and the extraordinary vision behind its conception." He added that once completed, The Ark would strengthen Ogun State's position as a destination for religious tourism, given its location within the state.
Oyedepo's Political Neutrality
Bishop Oyedepo's comments on political neutrality were made in direct response to the visit, reinforcing his long-held public posture of non-partisanship. The cleric, who leads one of Africa's largest congregations, has consistently maintained this stance ahead of what is expected to be a competitive governorship race in Ogun State in 2027.
The visit drew attention partly because of the timing, as Adeola is the APC's flagbearer for the Ogun governorship election. Oyedepo's remarks serve to clarify his position, emphasizing that he does not endorse any political candidate or party, despite receiving visits from politicians across the spectrum for prayers.
Implications for the 2027 Race
The exchange underscores the delicate balance religious leaders often navigate in Nigeria's political landscape. Oyedepo's explicit statement that "There's No Political Party In This Country That Don't Come To Me For Prayers" highlights his role as a spiritual figure accessible to all, regardless of political affiliation.
As the Ogun State governorship election approaches, Adeola's visit and Oyedepo's response may influence perceptions among voters, though the cleric's neutrality is now firmly on record. The Ark's construction, meanwhile, continues to progress, with its potential to boost religious tourism in the state once completed.
