A church service in Warri, Delta State, turned tense on Sunday after members of the congregation reportedly walked out during an address by a state government delegation linked to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The delegation had attended the thanksgiving service organised to mark the administration’s third year in office.
According to eyewitness accounts, the officials arrived with trucks carrying food items presented as part of the thanksgiving event.
The atmosphere reportedly changed when members of the delegation addressed worshippers and called for support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.
The remarks drew immediate reactions from parts of the congregation, with worshippers openly expressing displeasure inside the church.
Attempts by church leaders to calm the situation were unsuccessful as the protest inside the auditorium continued.
Several congregants were later seen leaving the service, bringing the gathering to an abrupt disruption.
Videos and accounts of the incident circulated online shortly after, drawing public reactions across Delta State and beyond.
The development comes at a time of growing public concern over rising living costs and economic pressure in many parts of the country.
Some civil society voices and local commentators criticized the use of a church gathering for political messaging, saying religious events should remain separate from partisan activities.
Others linked the reaction from worshippers to wider frustrations over economic conditions and hardship being experienced by many Nigerians.
As of the time of filing this report, the Delta State Government had not issued an official statement on the incident.
There was also no immediate response from church authorities regarding the disruption.
The incident is expected to generate further discussion as political activities gradually build ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
