“Apostle Joshua Selman Reveals Why He Can’t Marry Sandra Even After Almost 20 Years Together”

In a recent and highly anticipated interview, Apostle Joshua Selman, one of Nigeria’s most influential spiritual leaders, finally addressed the burning question that has been on the minds of his millions of followers for nearly two decades: Why hasn’t he married Sandra Archinello, his long-time partner and faithful supporter? Despite being together for almost 20 years, the two have remained unmarried, and the public is increasingly curious about why this is so.
On December 9th, Apostle Selman stirred up conversation when he posted a heartfelt birthday message to Sandra, which many fans mistakenly interpreted as a sign of an impending engagement. But, as we delve deeper into his reasoning, Apostle Selman has once again chosen to shed light on his decision to prioritize his calling over marriage, explaining why it’s not the right time for him to marry Sandra, despite their deep, long-standing relationship.
The Burning Question: Why Stay Single?
For years, the relationship between Apostle Selman and Sandra Archinello has been the subject of public speculation, especially after the apostle turned 45. As a man of great influence and spiritual authority, Selman‘s unmarried status has led many to question why he hasn’t made his long-term partner his wife.
In the video, Apostle Selman addressed these concerns with great clarity. “Marriage is not the solution to all emotional problems,” he explained. His response may surprise some, but it offers a profound perspective on the role of marriage in one’s life. According to Apostle Selman, marriage should not be viewed as the end-all-be-all for personal fulfillment, especially for someone who is focused on a higher calling.
He explained that many people rush into marriage hoping it will solve personal issues such as loneliness, low self-esteem, or lack of purpose. “The key,” he said, “is to find fulfillment in your relationship with God and purpose, not in another person.” This reflects his belief that true emotional fulfillment can only come from a deep relationship with God and self-understanding, not from relying on someone else to fill emotional gaps.
A Long-Standing, Supportive Relationship with Sandra
Despite the attention surrounding their relationship, Sandra Archinello has always been by Apostle Selman’s side as a faithful supporter in both his personal life and ministry. The couple met years ago in Zaria, Nigeria, when they were both undergraduates—Sandra studying Mass Communication and Apostle Selman studying Chemical Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University. What began as a campus friendship blossomed into a deep and meaningful partnership, and Sandra quickly became an integral part of Selman’s ministry.
While many have speculated about their relationship, Apostle Selman has always been transparent about his decision to focus on his calling and the greater purpose he believes God has for him. He admitted that Sandra is an important part of his life but emphasized that marriage will not happen until it is in alignment with his spiritual mission. This decision, he explained, is rooted in purpose and not in societal expectations.
The Public’s Reaction: Pressure Mounts
As their relationship has grown over the years, public expectations have intensified. Some of Apostle Selman’s followers have even gone as far as to call Sandra “Mama”, a title commonly reserved for pastors’ wives in Nigerian church culture. This has led to significant pressure on the apostle to make things official, with some questioning why he hasn’t married someone who has been so loyal to him for years.
However, as the Apostle pointed out, this pressure is often the result of the church members’ expectations, not his own desires. “They treat her like she’s already the First Lady,” he remarked. “This creates unnecessary pressure on both of us. It’s not about pleasing people—it’s about doing what God wants for us.”
In fact, Apostle Selman has always maintained that his focus has been on his calling, and that any decision about marriage must align with God’s will for his life. “Marriage is important, but it cannot be the primary focus of my life,” he reiterated.
The Debate Over Celibacy and Accountability
The long-standing nature of Apostle Selman’s relationship with Sandra has sparked another debate—one about celibacy and the question of whether or not they remain sexually pure in their lengthy, private relationship. Prophet Onaz, a fellow minister, took to Twitter to publicly challenge Apostle Selman, questioning why the couple has been together for so long without marrying and whether they have managed to maintain celibacy in their relationship.
Apostle Selman responded with grace, stating that the issue of celibacy is not about being married or not; rather, it’s about personal values and spiritual commitment. He stressed that it’s not the title of “husband” or “wife” that defines a relationship’s purity but rather the values both partners hold.
The Confusion Around the Birthday Message
A key moment that sparked the marriage rumors was Apostle Selman’s birthday message to Sandra. Many fans and followers mistakenly interpreted his message, which included the words “Happy birthday my love,” as a sign that he was preparing to propose. However, Apostle Selman clarified that his message was nothing more than a simple birthday greeting to a woman who has been a pillar of support in his life for many years.
He also addressed the moment when Sandra emotionally hugged him during the celebration, explaining that it was a natural expression of gratitude rather than an indication of an impending marriage proposal. “I did not kneel down to propose to her, nor have I kissed her publicly. These are just baseless rumors created by people who do not understand the nature of our relationship,” he clarified.
Conclusion: A Higher Calling Above All
While the public pressure for Apostle Joshua Selman and Sandra Archinello to marry continues to build, Apostle Selman’s commitment to his spiritual mission remains unwavering. His relationship with Sandra is one based on mutual respect, support, and shared purpose, and the decision to marry will only come when God’s plan for their lives aligns with that step.
For now, Apostle Selman continues to inspire his followers with his commitment to his calling and his emphasis on personal values, showing that the path to true fulfillment lies in purpose, spiritual growth, and service to God—not in meeting societal expectations.
As for Sandra, she remains by his side, patiently waiting for the right moment, and trusting in God’s timing.