Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has initiated legal action against Primate Elijah Ayodele over remarks alleging he would betray Peter Obi.
ABUJA, FCT — Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has threatened to sue Primate Elijah Ayodele over comments linking him to an alleged plot against Peter Obi. According to a demand letter issued by his lawyers, Magaji Mato Ibrahim, SAN & Co., the former governor is seeking a retraction and apology over the remarks.
The dispute followed a viral video from a live-streamed church service in which Ayodele allegedly described Kwankwaso as disloyal to Obi. The cleric reportedly claimed that Kwankwaso would betray Obi and had accepted a vice-presidential position for personal reasons. Kwankwaso’s legal team described the comments as false, malicious and damaging to his political reputation.
According to the letter dated June 11, 2026, the former governor’s lawyers gave the cleric 24 hours to withdraw the statements and publish a full apology across social media platforms and news outlets where the comments circulated. The lawyers also demanded a written undertaking that Ayodele would stop making similar remarks in the future. They warned that failure to comply would lead to legal proceedings, including a claim for N10 billion in damages and legal costs.
The controversy comes weeks after Ayodele publicly warned Obi against choosing Kwankwaso as a political ally, claiming that their relationship was not genuine and predicting that disagreements could emerge within their alliance. The cleric’s comments generated intense political discussions among supporters of both leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso and Obi remain key figures in Nigeria’s opposition politics, with both politicians attracting significant support bases across different regions of the country. The latest disagreement has added another dimension to discussions surrounding opposition alliances and preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
The development means the matter could move from political commentary to the courtroom if Ayodele fails to meet the demands of Kwankwaso’s legal team. The case may also test the boundaries between political prophecy, public commentary and defamation laws in Nigeria.
Kwankwaso Sues Primate Ayodele Over Peter Obi Betrayal Claim
