LAGOS — As the 2027 political landscape begins to take shape, Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has issued a scathing critique of Nigeria’s top political contenders, warning that a Peter Obi presidency might be as “deceptive” as the current administration.
In a video message shared via his official Facebook page on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the cleric expressed deep skepticism about the Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, questioning whether Obi offers a genuine alternative to President Bola Tinubu.
The “Conflict Resolution” President
Primate Ayodele’s most striking criticism targeted Peter Obi’s perceived leadership style. He suggested that rather than tackling the structural and economic decay currently stalling the nation, an Obi presidency might be preoccupied with peripheral issues.
“Just put Obi as President, Obi will be going to settle fight. Is that the right thing?” Ayodele asked, suggesting that Obi’s focus would likely shift toward peacemaking and conflict resolution rather than the urgent, fundamental governance the country requires.
Neither Tinubu Nor Obi
The cleric was equally blunt about the incumbent administration, clarifying that his critique of Obi was not an endorsement of the status quo.
“I’m not supporting Tinubu either; he’s not a good option,” Ayodele stated. He dismissed the idea that there is a clear “savior” among the current frontrunners, arguing that both leaders might lead the country into similar dead ends, leaving public hopes unfulfilled.
Seeking ‘Divine’ Direction
With the country currently battling record-high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, Ayodele emphasized that human judgment has failed the electorate. He urged Nigerians to look beyond political branding and seek “divine guidance” to identify a leader who is truly “better than them.”
“What will Obi accomplish that Tinubu hasn’t? It seems to me that Obi is just misleading Nigeria,” the Primate warned, concluding that only God knows who is truly capable of leading the nation effectively out of its current quagmire.
