Tinubu described Oyedepo, as he clocked 68 on Tuesday, as a respected man of the pulpit who is making a huge difference in Nigeria’s education sector.

Nigerians have tackled the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Bola Tinubu after he sent a birthday message to the founder of Living Faith Church, David Oyedepo.

In his message, Tinubu described Oyedepo who just clocked 68 as a respected man of the pulpit who is making a huge difference in Nigeria’s education sector.

He wrote; “I rejoice with and celebrate Bishop David Oyedepo on his 68th birthday today. Bishop Oyedepo has served God and our country very well with the life-changing impacts of his Ministry as a respected man of the pulpit. In the field of education, this venerable man is also making a huge difference for God and for country.

“We are grateful to God for Bishop Oyedepo’s life of service and his transformational leadership. As we rejoice with him for a gift of another year in good health, I wish him greater exploits in God’s vineyard and more accomplishments to the benefit of mankind.”

However, Tinubu’s birthday message to the cleric did not sit well with some who called out the politician after wondering if he extended a similar gesture last year when the cleric celebrated his 67th birthday.

Reacting to the tweet, one Twitter user @Chimamandaaa said “Pretence in the highest! Oyedepo doesn’t need your attention.”

@blessynewere said, “When did you start wishing Bishop Oyedepo Happy Birthday? Your desperation knows no bounds.”

@theoabuagada said “You don’t care Bola. Stop pretending. Did you wish papa (Oyedepo) happy birthday last year?”

On his part, Kolawole Olushola (@kopmaff) said, “This is the highest salutation from a political class, a little minutes after noon today. l was thinking if the politicos will not send goodwill messages to this giant & transformational of our generations and Gbam!!! @officialABAT (Tinubu) clears my thought, thank you Asiwaju”

@sleeks2010 said “This campaign season is really an interesting time, imagine BAT sending birthday wishes to bishop oyedepo, pls can election happen every year, I love seeing our politicians acting all nice and good”

On the other hand, some Nigerians saw the message as a good gesture.

Reacting to the tweet, a Twitter user @wummzzy wrote “Thank you sir His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2023. Thanks for celebrating my papa, God’s general Bishop David Oyedepo. On your mandate I stand with my full chest ABAT”

@AmokunmosaO said, “My president my GOD is with u always came down next PRESIDENT E SURE for YOU Bami”

@hon_gbade said, “Our incoming President, the Lord will continue to honor you and your dreams shall come to fulfilment. Congratulations to Bishop Oyedepo.”