A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Emmanuel Obadjere of St. William’s Catholic Church, Orerokpe, Delta State, has criticised members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for distributing customised bags of rice to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a video circulating on social media, the cleric described the practice as irresponsible and unpatriotic, arguing that the resources used to purchase and distribute the rice should instead be invested in projects that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

According to him, the money could be channelled into building industries, improving electricity supply, and creating jobs rather than funding what he described as political sycophancy.

He said:

“A few days ago I returned to the house, and they told me somebody brought in a bag of rice. When I looked at the rice, it was a customised bag with the President of Nigeria on it. This is very unpatriotic.”

He continued:

“Instead of using this money to build companies, build electricity power plants, make electricity stable, and establish industries, all that the supporters of the President and the very jobless, irresponsible elites we have can do is engage in this kind of sycophancy.”

Despite his criticism, the priest disclosed that he would not waste the rice, adding that he intends to distribute it to members of his congregation.

The video has since sparked widespread reactions online, with Nigerians expressing differing opinions over the distribution of branded food items ahead of the 2027 elections and the priest’s outspoken remarks.