Bishop Oyedepo Rejects Politics, Says No Amount of Money Can Tempt Him

Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder and General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), has firmly distanced himself from politics, stating that not even a staggering $1 billion could lure him into the arena. Speaking during a recent church service at Canaan Land, Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo emphasized that his divine calling remains focused on spiritual leadership and kingdom advancement, not political office.

“You can bring $1 billion; politics is not my calling,” Oyedepo declared, according to viral clips circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. The statement, captured in a sermon clip shared widely on December 12, 2025, underscores his long-standing position against clerical involvement in partisan politics. He urged believers to prioritize their spiritual mandates over worldly ambitions, warning that mixing faith with politics often leads to compromise.

This isn’t the first time Oyedepo has addressed the topic. In past sermons, including one in 2023 amid Nigeria’s general elections, he cautioned pastors against endorsing candidates or seeking political power, arguing it dilutes their prophetic role. “The altar is not for politics,” he said then, reinforcing a theology that separates ecclesiastical duties from governance. His stance aligns with a broader tradition among some Pentecostal leaders who view politics as a potential distraction from evangelism.

Recent online searches reveal heightened interest in Oyedepo’s views amid Nigeria’s polarized political climate. Platforms like Vanguard and Punch newspapers reported similar sentiments from him in 2022, when he criticized religious leaders campaigning for politicians. Social media buzz, including posts from @Naija_PR and @PulseNigeria247, amplifies the clip, with over 50,000 views in 24 hours as of December 13, 2025. Commentators note this comes at a time when other prominent clergymen, like Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, have also maintained neutrality, while figures such as Pastor Paul Enenche have faced scrutiny for perceived political leanings.

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Oyedepo’s declaration resonates in Ogun State, his home base near Abeokuta, where local politics often intersects with religious influence. As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges and the 2027 elections loom, his words spark debates on whether spiritual leaders should engage more actively in nation-building or stay apolitical. Supporters praise his integrity, while critics argue clergy disengagement leaves a vacuum in ethical governance.

Living Faith Church, with millions of members across Africa and beyond, continues to expand under Oyedepo, who turned 70 in September 2024. His empire includes universities like Covenant University and Landmark University, emphasizing education over political power. For now, Oyedepo remains committed to his “calling,” urging followers to influence society through faith rather than ballots.