Founder of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has alleged that the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is part of a broader political agenda aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking during a sermon captured in a viral video, the Catholic priest claimed that the kidnapping of 46 students and teachers mirrors events leading up to the 2015 general election, when the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction became a major national issue during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.
Mbaka argued that certain political actors were using insecurity to create fear and public dissatisfaction, with the ultimate goal of turning Nigerians against the current government.
“That was what they did against Jonathan. They have started it again. Let Nigerians not be deceived. It is a satanic political agenda. Putting panic in the country so that everybody will say the president should go,” the cleric said.
The outspoken priest maintained that the abduction should not be viewed solely as a security issue but as part of a deliberate effort to influence public opinion ahead of future political contests.
He also called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to take greater responsibility for security within the state, arguing that governors should not shift all blame to the federal government whenever security challenges arise.
“Governor Makinde wake up. Let Nigerians march to Oyo State. There is a governor there. We should hold Tinubu responsible if he is owing security votes of state,” Mbaka stated.
The cleric further insisted that those seeking political change should not use the kidnapping of innocent children as a tool to achieve their objectives.
“If they want to overthrow Tinubu, it is not by kidnapping our children. So that the whole Nigeria will be angry against the president,” he added.
Mbaka’s latest remarks have revived discussions about his long history of political commentary and influence on national debates. The priest was a prominent voice during the period leading to the 2015 elections, when he openly criticised the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and advocated for political change.
In a widely circulated New Year message before the 2015 polls, Mbaka urged Nigerians to embrace what he described as a new political direction, arguing that the country was falling short in critical areas such as electricity supply, job creation, education and economic development.
“By the grace of God, there emerged a Goodluck, all of us were happy… Where are we going? What is the fate of this country? We need change,” he had said at the time.
His latest comments have sparked fresh debate on social media, with supporters and critics divided over his interpretation of the Oyo school abduction and its political implications.
