Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that some governors in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and members of his cabinet are secretly planning to support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 election.
In a statement by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, made available to Legit.ng, Primate Ayodele said these allies are making moves without President Tinubu's knowledge. He also claimed that Atiku is counting on backing from the United States in his presidential push.
Allegations of Secret Support for Atiku
“Tinubu shouldn't be surprised that some governors he believes will work with Atiku secretly. Some members of his cabinet will work with Atiku secretly,” the clergyman said. He added, “Atiku is planning seriously with the support of America to get victory. He will do a lot of things.”
Primate Ayodele has previously made political and economic predictions ahead of major Nigerian elections, often drawing attention from both supporters and critics of his prophetic declarations.
Concerns Over INEC and Election Credibility
Beyond the political warnings, the clergyman raised serious doubts about the credibility of the planned 2027 general elections. He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not prepared to conduct a free and fair poll, and that the scheduled date is unsuitable.
“INEC isn't ready to do credible election, it can be marred with violence and disappointment. The day isn't yet properly in order for an election that will bring a right president,” he said. “There will be serious violence and inconclusive results in some states. The date isn't too certain and there will be consequences if it is done. There will be fake ballot papers, and rigging will be the order of the day. INEC will also play their own part.”
Economic Hardship Warning for Tinubu
Primate Ayodele also turned his attention to Nigeria's economic challenges, urging the president to act without delay. He warned that the current approach to managing the hardship facing Nigerians is not working, and that rising inflation could further erode public confidence in the administration.
“The economy hardship will fight harder, and the strategy to fight it isn't sustainable. Tinubu cannot do this alone; his ministers ought to do something about it, and I see inflation will start rising significantly, and people will not be happy with this. Tinubu should quickly do something about it,” he said.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Primate Ayodele warned that President Tinubu's re-election in 2027 is far from guaranteed, adding that the ruling APC is dangerously confident heading into a contest it may not win. He told Legit.ng that many people would be left in shock if the president fails to secure a second term.
