Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has advised Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, not to contest the 2027 elections unless he is open to forming a coalition with other political forces.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele warned Obi that challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027 without the support of a broad political alliance would be futile.
He emphasized that Tinubu is a formidable force, and no single candidate, including Obi, could defeat him on their own.
Ayodele cautioned Obi against wasting financial resources on a solo campaign, suggesting that it would be both a financial drain and a political setback.
“If Peter Obi thinks he has the ability to rally the masses and defeat Tinubu on his own, he is mistaken. It will be a waste of money and energy, and a recipe for political failure,” he stated.
“It’s either you join a coalition or refrain from contesting. Tinubu is too powerful to be overthrown by one person.”
The clergyman further stressed that Obi’s supporters, particularly those from the South East, may not provide the backing he expects.
He warned that Obi would face disappointment, as even his own people may not be as supportive in the 2027 race.
“If you think you can stand alone and defeat Tinubu, you are deluding yourself,” Primate Ayodele said.
“Even those who you believe are still loyal to you will not support you, so it’s crucial to join forces with others if you wish to succeed.”
