‘Everything Is Not Going Well in Nigeria’ — Primate Ayodele Warns Tinubu, INEC Chairman Ahead of 2027

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has expressed concern over the political and economic situation in Nigeria, warning that what he described as growing hardship and political tension could have implications for the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ayodele also directed a warning at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying people around the President could undermine his political prospects if they fail to give him accurate information about the situation in the country.

The cleric's remarks were reported amid increasing debate over the conduct and credibility of the 2027 elections. 

Ayodele said Nigerians were experiencing significant economic difficulties and argued that the government should pay greater attention to the concerns of citizens.

He also alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was seeking to suppress Nigerians who did not intend to support the party.

The allegation was made as a political claim by Ayodele and was not accompanied in the report by evidence establishing that the APC, as a party, had adopted such a policy.

The cleric further warned President Tinubu about individuals surrounding his administration.

According to Ayodele, those around the President were not adequately informing him about developments on the ground and could ultimately damage his political prospects.

His comments represent his political assessment of the administration and its environment rather than an independently established forecast of the 2027 election.

Ayodele also addressed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, urging him to protect the commission's credibility by ensuring that the 2027 election is conducted according to the law.

He warned that Amupitan's reputation would be judged by the way the commission handles the election and used strong religious language in urging the INEC chairman to do what he described as the right thing.

The remarks come after Amupitan repeatedly stressed the need for neutrality among INEC officials.

In September, the INEC chairman warned electoral officers that partisan leaning, administrative negligence and compromised ethics would not be tolerated during the 2027 elections. He said officers must administer elections without preference for any candidate or political party.

Amupitan has also publicly stated that INEC has “no candidate” and “no political party” to favour ahead of the 2027 elections.

The commission says it is committed to neutrality, fairness and transparency and has been conducting early preparations, including testing and strengthening its electoral systems. 

INEC's officially released timetable currently places the presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The comments by Ayodele add to a broader national conversation about electoral integrity, political competition and public confidence ahead of the 2027 polls.

While political figures, religious leaders and civil society actors continue to express different concerns about the election, INEC has maintained that its responsibility is to administer the process according to the Constitution and electoral laws.

The commission has also urged political parties, candidates and voters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and contribute to a peaceful and credible electoral process. 