LAGOS, NIGERIA — The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Tinubu about plans by some people around him to betray him weeks before the 2027 election.
The warning was contained in a statement on Friday. It was signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin.
The Warning
Ayodele said many people around the President do not wish him well. He said they are waiting for an opportunity to betray him.
The cleric referenced the recent inauguration of the APC presidential campaign council. He said most of those in the council were only there for fun. He said they were celebrating with bitterness in their hearts.
“Majority of the people at the inauguration don’t wish you well, Tinubu. They are just there for fun and to celebrate with bitterness. All that they have said is not real, and you need to identify your friends before the election. You must identify those who want you and those who don’t,” Ayodele said.
Defectors Will Be a Burden
Ayodele also warned about defectors joining the APC. He said they would be a burden rather than an addition to Tinubu’s political strength.
“Even those defecting to the APC will be a burden on your re-election bid. Don’t celebrate it. It’s a means to cover your sight,” he claimed.
He urged the President to be mindful of the people around him. He said they would not want him to see the truth. He also said they would attempt to drive good people away from him.
“Be mindful. People who surround you will not want you to see the truth, and they will drive good people away from you because of their selfish interests. These are the people you have helped, and they are going to betray you. It will be painful,” he said.
Two Weeks to Election
The cleric said if Tinubu fails to act, he will discover the true colours of those around him two weeks before the election.
“Two weeks to the election, if you don’t act and take a drastic step before it’s too late, major people you think are serious will betray you,” he warned.
Work to Be Done in the North
Ayodele said much work remained to be done, particularly in the North. He said the campaign team had not yet captured the North.
“Forget all these dances and praises; there is a lot to do in the North, and your campaign team is yet to capture the North. Take my words seriously and don’t let them fail you,” he added.
What This Means
The warning adds to the political tension ahead of the 2027 elections. It raises questions about unity within the APC and the effectiveness of the President’s campaign team.
For now, the Presidency has not responded to Ayodele’s statement. The APC has also not commented on the matter. The coming months will reveal whether the cleric’s warnings materialise.
