Kwankwaso threatens N10bn lawsuit against Primate Ayodele

Former Kano State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for 2027, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has threatened legal action against Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church. Kwankwaso is demanding N10 billion in damages over alleged defamatory statements made by the cleric.

“

Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi. Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be vice president to Obi.

The threat was formalized in a letter dated June 11, 2026, sent by Kwankwaso’s legal team, Magaji Ibrahim SAN & Co. The letter, shared by Kwankwaso’s media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, accuses Ayodele of making false, malicious, and defamatory remarks during a sermon. These statements, recorded and widely circulated on social media and news outlets, allegedly portrayed Kwankwaso as "fake to Obi," prone to betrayal, and having been paid to be Peter Obi's vice-presidential candidate.

Kwankwaso's lawyers argue that these comments are designed to damage his reputation, portray him as deceitful, and create division within the NDC and among its supporters. The letter states that the remarks directly attacked Kwankwaso’s credibility, sincerity, and political integrity as the NDC vice-presidential candidate.

“

Our client’s attention has been drawn to your viral publication, which is trending on all social media platforms and in international and local news outlets, wherein you published malicious and defamatory contents against him geared toward tarnishing his long-earned reputation in Nigeria and beyond.

The legal team has demanded that Primate Ayodele issue a full retraction and apology within 24 hours across all platforms where the statements were published. They also require a written undertaking that the cleric will refrain from making further defamatory content against Kwankwaso. Failure to comply will result in legal proceedings seeking N10 billion in damages and litigation costs.

“

Take notice that if you neglect, fail or refuse to accede to our reasonable demands within the stipulated time frame, we have our client’s unflinching instruction to take out appropriate legal proceedings against you without further recourse to you, wherein we shall claim substantial damages to the tune of N10bn and cost of the action on a full indemnity basis amongst other reliefs.