The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has urged President Bola Tinubu not to interfere in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, warning that any attempt to influence the outcome could have far-reaching political consequences.

Ayodele gave the warning in a statement issued by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, on Tuesday, urging the Presidency to allow the election to reflect the will of the people and what he described as God’s purpose for the state.

The cleric said any attempt to impose a candidate through unlawful means could trigger political instability and undermine the President’s political prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“The Osun governorship election should be allowed to take its natural course. The Presidency must resist any pressure to influence the outcome because doing so will have consequences. This election is closely tied to the political atmosphere ahead of 2027, and interference could create a national crisis. It is better to allow God’s will and the choice of the people to prevail,” he said.

Ayodele also called on security agencies, particularly the Inspector-General of Police and the military, to ensure adequate deployment of personnel before and during the election, claiming he foresaw attempts by some groups to foment violence.

He warned that without sufficient security presence, the poll could degenerate into bloodshed, urging the authorities to prioritise the safety of voters, election officials and other stakeholders throughout the process.

The cleric further advised Governor Ademola Adeleke to remain vigilant, alleging that the election would be fiercely contested and marked by vote-buying, manipulation and violence.

While expressing confidence in Adeleke’s popularity, Ayodele cautioned that complacency could jeopardise the governor’s re-election bid if adequate preparations were not made.

He also urged the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to shun violence and avoid desperate political tactics, stressing that no elective office is worth the loss of human lives.

Ayodele appealed to all political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and accept the outcome of the election in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in Osun State.