Date: June 24, 2026 l Reporter: Kingston Bill
Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has threatened to file a N10 billion defamation lawsuit against the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, over comments allegedly linking him to a political arrangement involving former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
According to a letter issued by Kwankwaso's legal representatives, the former governor is demanding an immediate retraction and public apology from the cleric over remarks that allegedly portrayed him as untrustworthy and suggested he had been financially induced to accept a vice-presidential role in a proposed political alliance.
The dispute arose from statements attributed to Primate Ayodele in which he allegedly claimed that Kwankwaso would betray Peter Obi if selected as his running mate in a future political coalition. The cleric was also reported to have suggested that financial incentives were influencing the former governor's political decisions.
Kwankwaso's lawyers described the statements as false, malicious, defamatory, and damaging to his reputation. They argued that the comments were capable of lowering their client's standing among his supporters, political associates, and members of the public.
In the legal notice, the former governor demanded that Primate Ayodele withdraw the statements within 24 hours, publish an apology, and cease making further defamatory remarks. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in legal proceedings seeking N10 billion in damages.
The former presidential candidate has remained a key figure in discussions surrounding possible opposition alliances ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Although no formal coalition arrangements have been announced, political observers have continued to speculate about potential partnerships among major opposition leaders seeking to challenge the ruling establishment.
Primate Ayodele is widely known for issuing prophecies and public predictions on political developments, elections, and national affairs. Over the years, some of his pronouncements have generated controversy and attracted reactions from political figures and public officials.
The latest dispute highlights the increasing political tensions surrounding discussions of potential electoral alliances and leadership arrangements ahead of the next election cycle. Analysts note that public statements concerning political ambitions and coalition negotiations are likely to attract heightened scrutiny as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum.
As of the time of publication, Primate Ayodele had not publicly responded to the legal demand. It remains unclear whether the matter will be settled through a retraction and apology or proceed to court.
The development adds another chapter to Nigeria's evolving political landscape, where speculation over opposition realignments continues to generate debate among political stakeholders and the electorate.