Elections and the African prophets
Many African prophets, prophecy about election outcomes in Africa
As the elections period draws closer and closer, a familiar phenomenon emerges in Africa. Prophets and Men of God begin to make predictions about the outcome of the elections. It is as if God has suddenly decided to speak exclusively to African prophets about the winners and losers in the elections.
This phenomenon is both fascinating and perplexing. Why are African prophets usually the only prophets who seem to receive these divine revelations about election outcomes? Have prophets in other parts of the world such as in North America and Europe no direct line to God?
It is not a case of questioning the genuineness of the prophets or the possibility of divine revelation from God. However, sometimes people may tend to be skeptical about the timing and content of some of the prophecies. It is almost as if some of the prophets are trying to capitalize on the attention and influence that comes with making high-profile predictions.
If God were to speak to prophets about election outcomes, wouldn’t He also speak to them about more pressing national and international issues such as poverty alleviation, regional conflicts, the solution to climate change?
Wouldn’t He want His prophets to use their platforms to address the real challenges facing our societies, rather than simply predicting who will win or lose an election?
It is worth noting that prophesy is not unique to Africa or African prophets; however, the prevalence of prophetic declarations about elections is a distinctive feature of African prophetism.
What about the track record of the prophets – do their prophecies always come true?
In reality, many of these prophecies have failed to come true. For instance, in 2016, a Ghanaian prophet predicted that the then-opposition leader, Nana Akufo-Addo, would lose the presidential elections. However, Nana Addo won the elections.
Similarly, in 2019, one Nigerian prophet predicted that the then-incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, would lose his re-election bid. Again, this prophecy was not fulfilled.
It is also interesting to note that prophets in Europe and North America rarely prophesy about election outcomes, whether domestic or foreign. I would not dare dispute the idea that God speaks to His prophets. I believe that He speaks to all of us regardless of our geographical location or cultural background, and when He does speak, it’s about justice, compassion, love; not only about election outcomes.
Perhaps, it is time for African prophets, to focus on the real issues, or maybe talk more publicly about other prophecies of national relevance they receive from God. Certainly, a general election is no small matter; it is very serious business. However, religious platforms should serve to promote peace, justice and equality. And in all sincerity, if the prophets speak on behalf of God, then they should be speaking about more other pressing national and international issues and not only about election outcomes.
By Novire Kuuyizie Francis
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