In a recent video on Facebook, Nigerian cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued a political warning to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cautioning against reliance on certain influential figures ahead of future electoral considerations.
In a recent address, Ayodele claimed that some prominent political elders are not aligned with the president’s ambitions. Specifically, he mentioned former military leader Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar as figures whose support should not be assumed.
“Babangida is not in your support, he is not supporting you,” Ayodele said. He extended the warning further, adding, “Even Abdulsalami is not supporting you.”
The cleric advised the president to reassess his political alliances and avoid depending on individuals he believes may not be fully committed. “Don’t rely on any of these people for your second time. These ones are not in your support,” he stated, referring to potential re-election plans.
Ayodele repeated his position emphatically, stressing that misplaced trust in political backers could have consequences. “They are not. They are not in your support,” he said.
His remarks come amid ongoing political realignments in Nigeria, where alliances often shift as election cycles approach. Analysts note that endorsements and backing from elder statesmen have historically played a role in shaping political outcomes, though their influence has evolved in recent years.
While there has been no official response from the individuals mentioned, Ayodele’s comments are likely to spark discussion within political circles about loyalty, influence, and strategy ahead of future elections.
The cleric’s statement adds to his series of public interventions on national issues, ranging from the economy to security and politics. As debates over Nigeria’s political future continue, his warning underscores the importance of coalition-building and strategic planning in maintaining political stability and electoral success.
