Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, founder and head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Oke Afa, Lagos, has issued a warning to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections. Ayodele cautioned Obi about his selection of Rabiu Kwankwaso as running mate, alleging that it could negatively impact his presidential aspirations.
In a statement released on Friday, June 5, and signed by his media aide Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele expressed concerns over Obi's political judgment. He claimed that Obi is "too desperate" and unable to see beyond his political ambitions, adding that certain forces around him could work against his success.
Ayodele Warns Obi Over Kwankwaso
Ayodele alleged that the former Anambra state governor does not heed divine instructions and has "fallen into the wrong hands" politically. According to the Nigerian Tribune, Primate Ayodele stated: "Peter Obi doesn’t listen to divine instructions, and because of this, he has fallen into the wrong hands for his ambition. Kwankwaso isn’t ready to fight for him; he will eventually sell him out, but he doesn’t know it yet."
Ayodele further asserted that Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano state, is acting purely out of self-interest and not genuine political commitment to Obi’s ambition. He added: "Kwankwaso is doing everything for his personal interest and nothing more. I wish Obi’s eyes could be opened to what is happening around him, but he can’t see it."
Ayodele Questions Obi’s Presidential Readiness
The cleric also questioned Obi's readiness for the presidency, stating that Obi is not yet mature for the office he seeks. He claimed that Kwankwaso’s alleged plans will eventually be exposed, but warned that it may be too late for Obi to adjust his strategy.
Primate Ayodele’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. The warning has sparked reactions from political analysts and supporters of both Obi and Kwankwaso.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reacted after Obi said he remains committed to serving only one term if elected president in 2027. Onanuga criticized Obi’s comparison of himself to leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela, calling it "wrong."
