Kwankwaso Demands N10 Billion in Damages Over Alleged Defamatory Comments
The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has threatened legal action against cleric Babatunde Ayodele of the Evangelical Spiritual Church, demanding N10 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements. Kwankwaso’s lawyer, Magaji Mato, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, issued a pre-action letter to Ayodele, which was shared by the politician’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan.
Background of the Dispute
The legal notice, dated June 11, accuses the cleric of making false and damaging claims about Kwankwaso during an appearance before his congregation in Lagos State. According to the letter, Ayodele allegedly described Kwankwaso as a “fake” ally of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi and claimed he accepted the vice-presidential role after receiving payment. These comments were made in the context of a prophecy about the 2027 elections.
Details of the Legal Notice
In the letter, Mato stated: “Our Client’s attention has been drawn to your viral publication, which is trending on all social media platforms and in international and local news outlets, wherein you published malicious and defamatory content against him.” The lawyer demanded that Ayodele publish a retraction and apology within 24 hours and provide an undertaking to stop making further statements considered defamatory. The letter warned that failure to comply would lead to a lawsuit seeking “substantial damages to the tune of Ten Billion Naira.”
Impact on Kwankwaso’s Reputation
The lawyer argued that the remarks were harmful to Kwankwaso’s reputation, describing him as a former Kano State governor, ex-minister of defence, former senator, and former presidential candidate. Kwankwaso’s legal team emphasized that the cleric’s statements could undermine his political standing and public image.
Response from Ayodele
At the time of filing this report, Ayodele had not responded to the legal notice. The cleric had not issued any public statement regarding the allegations or the threatened lawsuit. The case highlights the growing tension between political figures and religious leaders over prophetic declarations, especially as the 2027 elections approach.
The pre-action letter was issued by Kwankwaso’s lawyer, Magaji Mato, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and shared by the politician’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan. The legal notice demands an immediate retraction and apology, failing which a lawsuit will be filed in court.
