Primate Ayodele Issues Stern Warning to Kano Governor Over 2027 Ambitions
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has delivered a stark warning to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf regarding his political future. This comes in the wake of the governor's high-profile defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Predicted Political Showdown With Former Ally
In a statement released through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele forecasted that Governor Yusuf's move to the ruling party would trigger significant political turbulence in Kano State. The cleric specifically highlighted the strain this defection has placed on the governor's relationship with his former political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Ayodele asserted that Kwankwaso, the influential former governor of Kano and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, would mount strong opposition to Yusuf's bid for re-election in 2027. According to the spiritual leader, this fallout between the two prominent political figures threatens to escalate tensions within the state and could severely impact the governor's chances of securing a second term in office.
Caution Against Overconfidence in Defectors
The primate extended his warnings beyond Kano's political landscape, advising President Bola Tinubu to exercise caution regarding recent political defections to the APC. Ayodele suggested that not all new members would demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the party's strategic plans for the 2027 elections.
"Some of those who have joined the ruling party might prioritize personal interests over actively supporting the president's re-election campaign," Ayodele cautioned, urging political leaders to carefully assess the motivations behind these high-profile party switches.
Escalating Tensions in Kano Political Arena
The warning arrives amidst heightened political activity in Kano State following Governor Yusuf's departure from the NNPP. The deepening rift with Kwankwaso, widely regarded as the governor's political godfather, has created uncertainty about the state's political direction.
Recent developments have included:
- Massive demonstrations of support for Kwankwaso from Kwankwasiyya movement members
- The former governor's declaration of the day of Yusuf's defection as "World Betrayal Day"
- Governor Yusuf's public warnings to supporters against insulting Kwankwaso
- The APC leadership in Kano clarifying their position on the governor's defection
Primate Ayodele emphasized that the political crisis in Kano requires careful management and monitoring by relevant authorities to prevent further escalation. He stressed that the outcome of this political realignment could have significant implications for both state and national politics as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
