Primate Ayodele Predicts Obi, Kwankwaso Will ‘Go Nowhere’ in 2027

The founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has predicted that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential ticket of Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not gain traction in the 2027 general election, describing their decision to contest independently as a strategic error that has effectively removed the party from serious electoral calculations. The cleric made the remarks while addressing members of his congregation in a video shared on X, where he criticised the party’s decision to run as a standalone platform despite growing calls for opposition unity ahead of the next presidential poll. According to Ayodele, the NDC would have stood a stronger chance if it had joined forces with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) rather than pursuing what he described as a solo political journey. “You see the NDC party in Nigeria, assuming you can listen. Instead of you going as a solo party, you would have merged with the ADC and formed a coalition,” Ayodele said. He argued that the party’s independent bid had weakened its electoral prospects, insisting that the strategy would not deliver victory in 2027. “But you alone going solo, NDC is not in the calculation. They call it OK but I’m not seeing anything okay. I do not see ‘OK’ (Obi and Kwankwaso) going anywhere in the 2027 Presidential election,” he added.

Obi and Kwankwaso defected from the ADC to the NDC in May 2026, citing persistent internal divisions and ongoing legal disputes within the party as reasons for their decision to seek a new political platform. Their move altered the opposition landscape, with the NDC subsequently adopting the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 presidential election, while the ADC picked former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate. Obi previously served as Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The election was won by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The two politicians later parted ways after Obi left the PDP for the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 presidential election, where he emerged as the party’s candidate. In the 2023 poll, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC was declared winner, defeating Atiku, who contested on the PDP platform, while Obi finished third. In the build-up to the 2027 election, Obi, Atiku, and other opposition leaders initially rallied around the ADC in an attempt to forge a broad coalition aimed at unseating President Tinubu. However, the alliance later collapsed following irreconcilable differences among key stakeholders, prompting Obi and Kwankwaso to leave the party with their supporters for the NDC. Ayodele maintained that the decision to leave the coalition arrangement had significantly weakened the NDC’s electoral prospects, as opposition parties seeking to challenge the ruling establishment require a united front rather than fragmented political structures capable of splitting votes.

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Despite Ayodele’s prediction, the NDC’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, has expressed openness to coalition discussions with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Dickson said the party would be open to conversations within the opposition space, though he insisted that any eventual coalition should back the NDC’s already-nominated candidates. “As an opposition leader, we will be open to coalition discussions. Our party, the NDC, will be open to conversations within that space. We hope that whatever discussions take place will lead to the NDC candidates being backed because we know the value of the candidates we are putting forward,” Dickson said. He also dismissed insinuations that the NDC would be unable to challenge President Tinubu and the APC in 2027, arguing that the ruling party would be “defeated massively” in a free and fair electoral contest.

Ayodele’s prediction is not an isolated voice of doubt. Senator Rufa’i Hanga, who represents Kano Central Senatorial District, has also declared that the NDC presidential ticket of Obi and Kwankwaso stands little chance of winning the 2027 election. Speaking during an interview with Freedom Radio, Hanga argued that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso commands the nationwide support required to secure victory. “In the North, Obi has Kwankwaso as running mate, and Kwankwaso is only popular in Kano. Even now, his popularity is 50/50 because previously, while we were in the ADC, we had people in Katsina, Jigawa and Kaduna, but those people refused to join us in the NDC and remained in the ADC,” Hanga said. He further claimed that Obi’s political strength is largely concentrated in Anambra State and parts of southern Nigeria, while arguing that the ADC candidate, Atiku Abubakar, would have a better chance of defeating President Tinubu in the North-West and North-East due to growing public dissatisfaction over insecurity and economic hardship.

This is not the first time Primate Ayodele has voiced concerns about the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance. In June 2026, he warned that Kwankwaso would “destroy” Obi’s presidential ambition, alleging that the former Kano governor was pursuing personal interests rather than a genuine commitment to Obi’s success. “Peter Obi doesn’t listen to divine instructions, and because of this, he has fallen into the wrong hands for his ambition. Kwankwaso isn’t ready to fight for him; he will eventually sell him out, but he doesn’t know it yet,” Ayodele said at the time. The remarks sparked a legal backlash, with Kwankwaso issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to Ayodele, demanding an immediate retraction and public apology, and threatening a N10 billion defamation lawsuit. However, Ayodele stood by his prophecy, clarifying that he was merely conveying a divine message and had no personal grievance against Kwankwaso. “I have never met Senator Kwankwaso, nor have I had any personal issues with him. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason for me to deliberately target or attack him,” Ayodele said through his media aide. He maintained that his prophecies are based solely on divine revelations and not influenced by personal relationships or grievances. In his prophecy book, Warnings To The Nations 2026/2027 Edition, Ayodele further detailed the fate of the three leading candidates, predicting that the 2027 election would largely be contested between President Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, with Obi being “robbed” of votes in some parts of the country. He stated that Obi would struggle in the North and that Northern voters would ultimately determine the election’s outcome. The cleric also predicted that President Tinubu would be defeated in the 2027 election, claiming that “monetary inducements and food distribution will not secure victory” for him. He alleged that Tinubu had been “blindfolded spiritually” and was relying on people who would disappoint him, including some state governors.

As the 2027 election approaches, the opposition landscape remains fragmented. The NDC is now positioning itself as a major challenger, but the departure of key figures like Senator Hanga, who is reportedly considering defecting to the APC, has raised questions about the party’s stability and nationwide reach. Meanwhile, the NDC’s leadership insists that the party remains a formidable force and has not been deregistered despite a recent court ruling that some interpreted as a setback. Dickson has expressed confidence that all NDC candidates will appear on the ballot in 2027. Ayodele’s latest prediction, coming from a figure whose political prophecies have often stirred public debate, adds another layer of uncertainty to an already fluid political environment. Whether the NDC can overcome the challenges highlighted by the cleric and other critics, or whether it will eventually heed calls for a broader opposition coalition, remains to be seen as the countdown to the 2027 polls continues. Ayodele’s predictions have drawn mixed reactions from political observers and the public, with some dismissing them as speculative while others view them as significant commentary on the country’s political landscape. No official response has been issued by the NDC or the politicians mentioned at the time of filing this report.

Primate Ayodele Predicts Obi, Kwankwaso Will ‘Go Nowhere’ in 2027

Police Probe AIG Jimoh Over VeryDarkMan’s Corruption Allegations 

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that it has commenced an internal investigation into Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Moshood Jimoh, the head of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, following serious corruption allegations levelled against him by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) . The Force disclosed that the senior officer has been summoned for questioning by the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) as part of an internal administrative review, while the criminal case connected to the allegations is already before a competent court. The activist has also been formally invited to appear before investigators to provide evidence supporting his claims. The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu. The statement clarified that the criminal matter referenced in public commentary had already been investigated and filed before a court following legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) . The controversy stems from a police investigation into two high-profile murder cases in Lagos State—the killing of youth leader Sheriff Ishola Salami in April 2023 and the killing of Ademola Akinloye, son of an Ajiran traditional ruler, in August 2024. At the time of the investigation, Jimoh served as Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

Through a series of social media videos circulated over recent weeks, VeryDarkMan has accused AIG Jimoh of corruption, abuse of office, and evidence manipulation in the murder investigation. The activist alleged that police officers under Jimoh’s command framed businessman Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi in connection with the killings. According to VDM, suspects arrested in January 2026 initially confessed to involvement in the Salami killing without implicating Akanbi, but later statements linking the businessman to the crime were allegedly obtained under pressure or torture. The activist has consistently challenged Jimoh to produce the original suspect statements and has called for an independent review of the evidence. In one of his videos, VDM accused the AIG of “using his position to force false confessions from innocent suspects” and called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately suspend Jimoh pending investigation. The activist, who has over two million followers across social media platforms, has kept the issue in the public eye with daily updates and calls for justice.

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The Police Force clarified that the case is being handled through both judicial and administrative channels, ensuring that justice is served on all fronts. The murder investigation has already been concluded and is now before a court of competent jurisdiction, following legal advice from the DPP. The police stressed that because the matter is sub judice, it must be resolved by the judiciary, not through media campaigns or social commentary. “The Force will not try this case in the media, nor will it allow its outcome to be shaped by public campaigns or commentary seeking to prejudge the officers or parties involved,” the statement read in part. Separately, the FCID has summoned AIG Jimoh for questioning over the allegations. The Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, on July 30, 2026, formally issued a letter of invitation to VeryDarkMan, requesting his appearance at its Abuja office to substantiate the claims he has made publicly. The police noted that the administrative probe is part of the Force’s internal accountability mechanism and is designed to investigate allegations of misconduct against any officer, regardless of rank.

Akanbi was arrested by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in April 2026, and transferred to Nigeria. He had been declared wanted by the police in February 2026 over allegations of involvement in violent crimes in the Ajiran community. However, documents reviewed by ThisDayLive suggest that Jimoh acted pursuant to lawful instructions from Police Headquarters rather than personal discretion, noting that the investigation followed a formal petition from the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family of Ajiran. The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) and the South West Youth Alliance have also dismissed the allegations against Jimoh, stating that official police documents show the investigation had a factual basis. According to the police, the murder investigation followed standard procedures, including the collection of evidence, witness statements, and forensic analysis. The DPP’s legal advice, which sanctioned the prosecution, further validates the integrity of the investigation, the Force stated.

The Police Force reaffirmed that disciplinary matters are governed by the Constitution, the Police Act 2020, Police Regulations, Force Orders, and other established administrative procedures applicable to all officers regardless of rank. While acknowledging Nigerians’ constitutional right to freedom of expression and to demand accountability from public institutions, the police cautioned against making unsubstantiated allegations capable of damaging reputations. “Freedom of expression does not extend to defamation or the amplification of unsubstantiated allegations as a means of compelling disciplinary outcomes outside due process,” the statement read. The Force assured that any officer found culpable after investigation would face sanctions, while individuals found to have made false and defamatory allegations could also face legal consequences.

The Police have urged VeryDarkMan to honour the invitation extended by the FCID and allow both the administrative review and the judicial proceedings to run their lawful course. “No officer is above the law, and no genuine complaint is ignored; nor will any officer be sanctioned outside the procedures the law prescribes,” the Force stated. The outcome of the administrative probe will determine whether AIG Jimoh faces disciplinary action, while the court will decide on the criminal case involving Akanbi and the alleged murder of Salami and Akinloye. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Police Probe AIG Jimoh Over VeryDarkMan’s Corruption Allegations 

N78 Million Solar Inverters, 410 Cattle, 10 Guns Recovered as Kaduna Police Arrest 25 Suspects

The Kaduna State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to criminal networks operating across the state, announcing the arrest of 25 suspects and the recovery of property valued at nearly N78 million during a two-week intelligence-led operation. Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, who addressed journalists at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna on Tuesday, described the crackdown as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnapping, armed banditry, gunrunning, and counterfeit currency trafficking in the state. According to the police chief, the command successfully arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, three suspected gunrunners, and six individuals allegedly belonging to a syndicate dealing in fake United States dollar notes. The operations also led to the neutralisation of a notorious kidnap kingpin, further disrupting criminal activities in rural communities.

Recovered Items

The command recovered a wide range of stolen goods and illegal items during the operations, including 190 solar inverters valued at approximately N69 million, 10 lithium batteries worth about N9 million, 10 firearms of different calibres, 170 counterfeit US dollar notes, 83 packs of hard drugs, 32 stolen mobile phones, two plasma television sets, one stolen Toyota Sienna vehicle, 410 rustled cattle, and an additional 80 cattle and 10 sheep abandoned by fleeing rustlers. The solar equipment, which formed the bulk of the recovered property, was traced to a warehouse in Zaria. Preliminary investigations revealed that the inverters and batteries were stolen from a container while in transit to Zaria, and the police are working to track down other members of the theft network.

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In one of the most notable arrests, police apprehended Aisha Barau, a 20-year-old woman, in Ramin Kura Village while she was allegedly attempting to exchange counterfeit US dollar notes for local currency. During interrogation, Barau reportedly confessed that the fake currency was supplied to her by Abdullahi Muhammad and Danbala Jibrin. Her statement led operatives to the other members of the syndicate, who are now in custody and assisting with investigations. The Commissioner warned members of the public to be vigilant when accepting foreign currency, as the syndicate had been operating in the area for some time.

In a cross-border operation, the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit arrested three suspected gunrunners in Jos, Plateau State, following credible intelligence. The suspects—Luka Samuel, John Paul, and Musa Elisha—were found in possession of two locally fabricated pistols. During interrogation, the trio confessed to supplying firearms and ammunition to bandits operating across different parts of Northern Nigeria. CP Muhammad stated that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the gunrunning network, which is believed to have supplied weapons used in several kidnappings and attacks in Kaduna and neighbouring states.

Recovered Items

After months of surveillance, police operatives working alongside the ‘Yan Sa Kai vigilante group arrested Abdullahi Mohammed, popularly known as “Aala,” a suspected kidnap kingpin. Mohammed confessed to masterminding multiple kidnapping operations in Kuzuntu Village, Ikara Local Government Area, and other surrounding communities. He also admitted to participating in the killing of two vigilante members during an attack last year. A AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspect, who is now in police custody and will face multiple charges, including murder and kidnapping.

In a separate development, police recovered a Toyota Sienna vehicle that was stolen from the premises of a Juma’at Mosque in Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna. The vehicle was traced to Zaria, where one Mohammed Shehu was arrested. Shehu’s confession led detectives to Zakari Abubakar, who allegedly specialised in manufacturing duplicate vehicle keys used by car thieves. The command is investigating whether the duo is linked to a larger vehicle theft syndicate operating in the state.

Police operatives also engaged suspected cattle rustlers in a gun battle after they attacked Damanko Village in Zaria Local Government Area. The suspects fled into the bush, abandoning 80 cattle and 10 sheep they had stolen. Two livestock owners who sustained injuries during the attack were rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently receiving treatment. The command has intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.

The police also arrested two suspected drug suppliers—Alex Odoh and Daniel Eze—for allegedly supplying hard drugs to bandits operating around Kasuwar Magani. A large quantity of illicit substances worth millions of naira was recovered from the suspects, who reportedly confessed to supplying drugs to criminal groups. The command believes the arrests will significantly disrupt the drug supply chain feeding banditry in the region.

Commissioner Muhammad commended the officers, vigilante groups, and other security agencies involved in the operations, and assured residents that the command would continue to collaborate with the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilantes to tackle insecurity. He urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could help prevent crime and improve public safety. “The fight against crime is a collective responsibility,” Muhammad said. “We cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of every citizen.” All suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court upon the completion of investigations, the Commissioner confirmed.

N78 Million Solar Inverters, 410 Cattle, 10 Guns Recovered as Kaduna Police Arrest 25 Suspects