Primate Ayodele Issues Prophetic Warning on Tinubu's Alleged Plan to Remove Shettima
In a startling revelation that has sent ripples through Nigeria's political landscape, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, has predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is contemplating the removal of Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections. This prophecy, delivered in a statement on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, underscores the deepening tensions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the nation gears up for another electoral cycle.
Muslim-Muslim Ticket and the Threat to Party Unity
Primate Ayodele reiterated his longstanding warning against the use of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, a move he describes as a form of disobedience that could precipitate Shettima's imminent removal from office. He emphasized that if the vice president is ousted in an acrimonious manner, it would severely undermine the APC's cohesion. According to the cleric, Shettima would likely work against the party's interests, creating internal strife and potentially destabilizing its electoral prospects.
In his words, "I warned Tinubu of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, but most people didn’t listen. If Shettima is removed acrimoniously, he will work against the interest of the party because they are contemplating picking a governor to replace Shettima as vice president." This statement highlights the delicate balance of power within the APC and the potential fallout from any abrupt changes in its leadership structure.
Potential Successor and Northern Aggression Concerns
The prophecy further suggests that Shettima could be replaced by a sitting governor, a move that Ayodele warns could provoke aggression in Nigeria's northern regions. He advised President Tinubu against selecting any of the governors who have recently decamped to the APC, cautioning that such a choice might exacerbate regional tensions and alienate key constituencies.
"If any of the crossing governors is picked from the north, this will cause aggression in the north," Ayodele stated, pointing to the complex ethnic and religious dynamics that often influence Nigerian politics. This warning underscores the need for careful consideration in political appointments to maintain national harmony and party stability.
Tinubu's Challenges: Nemesis, Betrayal, and US Interference
Beyond the immediate political maneuvering, Primate Ayodele shed light on broader challenges facing President Tinubu's administration. He noted that while Tinubu is making progress in governance, his efforts are being undermined by nemesis and betrayal. According to the cleric, some of the president's aides are blocking access to individuals who could genuinely assist him, while others who applaud his work secretly seek his downfall.
Ayodele also addressed the perceived interference of the United States in Nigeria's security apparatus, stating, "On insecurity, no matter the security formation you put together, the US doesn’t like your government, and they know where to puncture this government because they already know the secret of your security." This assertion raises questions about external influences on Nigeria's domestic policies and the vulnerabilities within its security framework.
Context and Implications for the 2027 Elections
This prophecy comes at a critical juncture, with the 2027 elections looming and the APC grappling with internal divisions over Shettima's fate. The vice president recently made headlines by temporarily vacating his seat to promote girl-child education, a symbolic gesture that contrasts with the political uncertainties surrounding his position. As the party navigates these turbulent waters, Ayodele's warnings serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of hasty political decisions.
In summary, Primate Ayodele's revelations highlight key issues that could shape Nigeria's political future: the risks of religious polarization, the importance of inclusive leadership, and the challenges posed by both internal betrayals and external pressures. As the nation watches closely, the unfolding dynamics within the APC will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of the 2027 elections and beyond.
