Rabiu Kwankwaso Threatens N10 Billion Lawsuit Against Primate Ayodele Over Defamatory Remarks

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has issued a formal legal threat against Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, following a series of critical comments the cleric made regarding his political alliances.

Through a letter dated June 11, 2026, and signed by his legal counsel, Magaji Ibrahim (SAN), the former Kano State governor demanded a full retraction and a public apology from the cleric within 24 hours. The legal team stated that the comments, which were circulated on social media and in news outlets, were false, malicious, and designed to damage Kwankwaso’s reputation.

The dispute stems from remarks made by Primate Ayodele during a sermon earlier this month. The cleric had publicly accused Kwankwaso of being insincere in his partnership with presidential candidate Peter Obi, suggesting that Kwankwaso was working against Obi’s interests for personal gain. Ayodele had described the former governor as “fake” and claimed he would eventually “betray” his running mate.

Kwankwaso’s legal team argued that these statements portrayed their client as deceitful and hypocritical, causing potential division within the NDC and damaging his political integrity. The lawyers have explicitly warned that if the cleric fails to issue a prominent apology and provide a written undertaking to cease such remarks, they are prepared to file a lawsuit seeking N10 billion in damages.

As of the time of reporting, Primate Ayodele has not issued a public response to the legal threat.