The Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, has responded to social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations that he (Dachomo) prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election during a recent visit to Israel.
The controversy followed VDM’s reaction to a video showing the cleric praying for Tinubu and other political leaders. The activist questioned what he described as a shift in Dachomo’s position, recalling the cleric’s previous criticisms of the Tinubu administration over insecurity and alleged attempts to Islamise Nigeria.
In his reaction, VDM said praying for political leaders was not inherently wrong but questioned the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s apparent change of tone.
“It’s not a bad thing to pray for your leaders, but there’s something off,” the activist said.
Responding to the allegations, Dachomo denied praying for Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima or the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure victory in the 2027 general election.
The cleric, known for calling out the government for failing to stop repeated attacks on Christian communities by people he describes as “Fulani terrorists”, explained that his visit to Israel and his prayers were focused on seeking divine intervention against insecurity, protecting vulnerable communities in Plateau State and promoting peace and justice across Nigeria.
He also clarified that his prayers were not intended to endorse the administration’s political ambitions or support a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. He said his concern remains the safety of Nigerians, particularly communities affected by persistent attacks and violence.
Against electoral malpractice
Dachomo further maintained that his prayers included calls against electoral malpractice, violence and any attempts to undermine the will of voters in future elections.
He urged political actors and campaigners not to misrepresent his religious activities as an endorsement of any political party or candidate.
The cleric also emphasised the need for leadership guided by the fear of God, justice, love and the protection of all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
Dachomo has continued to criticise the federal government’s handling of insecurity, particularly attacks on communities in Plateau State, where residents have suffered repeated violence.
His earlier comments criticising the Tinubu-Shettima Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket also contributed to the questions raised by VDM over the cleric’s recent prayers for political leaders.
However, Dachomo’s response draws a distinction between praying for leaders and endorsing their political ambitions.
The development has renewed discussions about the relationship between faith and politics in Nigeria, particularly the role of religious leaders in holding public officials accountable while praying for peace and good governance.
While VDM questioned the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s prayers, Dachomo has denied supporting Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that his focus remains on security, justice and the welfare of Nigerians.