The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Coalition (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Primate Elijah Ayodele, demanding a retraction of what he described as libellous comments made against him or face legal action.
Kwankwaso, in a statement made available to journalists, said he was deeply embarrassed by remarks allegedly made by the cleric during a sermon in which he was described as “a fake to Obi,” accused of betrayal, and alleged to have been paid to undermine political interests.
According to the former Kano State governor, the comments quickly gained traction across Nigeria and beyond, generating widespread reactions and drawing numerous calls and messages to his phone.
“In Kano, Abuja, and even outside Nigeria, my phone started buzzing nonstop. Clips of a sermon. A voice I know, calling me ‘a fake to Obi,’ saying ‘Kwankwaso will betray you,’ saying ‘Kwankwaso has been paid,’” he said.
Kwankwaso noted that he has spent more than four decades in public service, serving in various capacities, including two terms as Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator, presidential candidate, and now vice-presidential candidate.
He stressed that while public office comes with scrutiny, he would not allow unverified allegations to tarnish a reputation built over many years.
“You don’t spend 40 years in politics to let your name become content for a 30-second clip. Not when the words are said to millions, live, with no fact and no call to verify,” he stated.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate disclosed that his legal team, Magaji Mato Ibrahim SAN & Co., had already written to Primate Ayodele on June 11, 2026, demanding a retraction, apology, and an end to the circulation of the alleged defamatory statements.
Kwankwaso maintained that the issue was not an attempt to silence religious leaders or suppress freedom of expression, but rather a move to protect his integrity and ensure accountability in public discourse.
“This is not about silencing a pulpit. It’s about protecting truth. If you disagree with my politics, debate me on policy, on Kano, on Nigeria. But don’t manufacture lies and feed them to a congregation,” he said.
He added that the matter now rests with the cleric, warning that failure to comply with the demands could result in legal proceedings.
“Now the ball is in his court. I’m waiting. Nigeria is watching. And I’ll let the law and the public decide if a reputation earned over decades gets defended, or gets defined by a viral sermon,” Kwankwaso concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from Primate Ayodele regarding the allegations and the ultimatum issued by Kwankwaso.
The post “Don’t Manufacture Lies And Feed Them To A Congregation” — Kwankwaso Gives Primate Ayodele 24 Hours To Retract Alleged Libellous Sermon Or Face Legal Action appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
