“North Not Yet Secured for Your Second Term, City Boy Movement Will Fail” — Ayodele Warns Tinubu

The leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to prioritise gaining acceptance in northern Nigeria as political attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele said the president has yet to secure firm backing in the region, attributing the situation to what he described as ineffective political coordination.

He warned that some advisers may be presenting an overly optimistic picture of the president’s standing in the North. According to him, this could mislead the administration unless it takes a more realistic assessment of the political climate in the region.

Ayodele stressed the need for direct engagement with influential northern stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political figures and religious leaders. He suggested that failure to build these alliances could result in organised opposition and heightened political tension as the election approaches.

He also expressed doubt about the impact of support groups linked to the president, including efforts associated with Seyi Tinubu. The cleric argued that such initiatives may have limited influence in the North without broader grassroots and elite backing.

Ayodele further warned of emerging political mobilisation in the region, noting that opposition forces could unite behind a single candidate. He advised the president to take a more direct approach in addressing the situation.

The remarks add to ongoing discussions about regional dynamics and coalition-building ahead of Nigeria’s next presidential race.