The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Tinubu that some political associates could turn against him in the weeks leading up to the 2027 presidential election.
Ayodele made the prediction in a statement issued by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, in which he questioned the loyalty of some individuals surrounding the President and urged him to exercise caution as preparations for the election intensify.
The cleric’s warning followed the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, an event that brought together political leaders and supporters working towards Tinubu’s re-election.
According to Ayodele, some people who publicly expressed support for the President might not be genuinely committed to his political success.
He alleged that some attendees at the campaign council’s inauguration were motivated by personal interests rather than a sincere desire to secure Tinubu’s re-election.
Ayodele also cautioned the President against assuming that politicians defecting to the APC would automatically strengthen his electoral prospects, suggesting that some could become a burden to the campaign.
The cleric urged Tinubu to distinguish between loyal supporters and individuals he believes may be seeking political advantage.
He further warned that people around the President could discourage honest advice or push away those who genuinely wanted to help the administration.
Ayodele specifically predicted that Tinubu could face betrayal from prominent associates approximately two weeks before the election if he failed to address what the cleric described as problems within his political circle.
He also urged the President not to be distracted by public celebrations, praise and political defections, arguing that the APC still had significant work to do to consolidate its support, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
The warning comes as political parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 general election, with campaigns expected to focus on party loyalty, grassroots mobilisation, candidate popularity and the performance of the current administration.
Tinubu’s re-election effort will depend on a range of factors, including the strength of the APC’s campaign structure, public assessment of government policies and the ability of opposition parties to mobilise voters.
Ayodele’s comments represent his political prediction and assessment of the President’s inner circle. They do not establish that a betrayal plot exists or that members of the campaign council intend to work against Tinubu.
The Presidency and the APC campaign leadership would need to respond to the allegations for the claims about internal disloyalty to be assessed more fully.