Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has questioned the circumstances surrounding Plateau-based cleric Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s decision to pray for President Bola Tinubu and his administration.
VDM raised the issue in a video shared on his Instagram page on Monday, following the circulation of footage showing Dachomo praying for the president.
The social media commentator said the development had surprised many Nigerians, particularly because the cleric had previously spoken out against the Federal Government over persistent insecurity and killings in Plateau State.
However, VDM maintained that Dachomo’s prayer did not surprise him, alleging that the government had influence over religious institutions.
“I’m sure a lot of you were surprised when you saw this video of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo saying that they should pray for Tinubu. It was surprising because this man has criticised Tinubu’s government because of the insecurity in Plateau state. I’m not surprised because I know that the government controls religion,” he stated.
Accompanying the video, VDM wrote: “How did reverend EZIKIEL DACHOMO move from criticizing bola Ahmed tinubu to campaigning for bola Ahmed tinubu? How he moved from vice president shittima and tinubu wanting to Islamize Nigeria to praying for bola Ahmed tinubu administration? AT THE END VDM IS RIGHT”
Dachomo’s Prayer in Israel
The footage that triggered the debate was reportedly recorded during Dachomo’s visit to Israel.
In the video, the cleric prayed for the president and declared that “whatever seed planted against his regime in the name of Jesus, it has been uprooted.”
Dachomo has been a prominent voice on the security crisis affecting Plateau State, where he has repeatedly drawn attention to attacks on communities and the loss of lives.
Over the years, the cleric has participated in mass burial activities and called for stronger government action to protect vulnerable residents, particularly Christian communities affected by the violence.
His latest prayer for Tinubu’s administration has consequently attracted attention, with VDM questioning what he considers a departure from the cleric’s earlier criticism of the government.
Cleric Clarifies Position
Amid the reactions to the video, Dachomo explained that his prayer was intended to seek Nigeria’s progress rather than express political support for Tinubu.
He also clarified that praying for the country and its leadership should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the president or support for a Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The clarification comes as discussions continue over the meaning of the prayer and its implications, given Dachomo’s previous public statements on insecurity and the government’s response to attacks in Plateau State.
