Hardship Could Be Tinubu's Political End — Primate Ayodele Warns, Says President Is Being Deceived by Aides

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to acknowledge the severe economic hardship gripping Nigeria and cautioning that the people around him are deceiving him about the true state of the nation. In a statement on Friday, August 7, 2026, the cleric called on the President to listen to the concerns of ordinary Nigerians and face the realities confronting the country, warning that the level of hardship could mark the beginning of his political end.

"President Tinubu, there's hardship in Nigeria. Don't let the people around you deceive you. Don't say 'No' to the truth," Ayodele declared. In a video message posted on social media, the popular prophet charged the President to stay on the path of truth, stating: "Tinubu there is hardship, Tinubu your work is being frustrated, Tinubu they are deceiving you. The people that will tell you the truth, they won't allow you to listen to them and this is going to be the beginning of your political end. Don't say no to the truth, say the truth, say the truth for you to be able to fly again".

Ayodele's warning comes amid growing public frustration over Nigeria's worsening economic conditions, including soaring inflation, rising food prices, and widespread unemployment that have pushed millions of citizens into deeper poverty. The cleric warned that attempts to influence voters with material incentives would not change the outcome of the 2027 presidential election if these concerns remain unaddressed. He also cautioned that the level of hardship in Nigeria could lead to protests against the Tinubu government.

The spiritual leader further revealed that President Tinubu is "pitching his tent with people who will disappoint him" in the coming elections, adding that the President has been "spiritually blindfolded" and that those he is currently relying on, especially some governors, will let him down. "Tinubu doesn't have grip on his government at the moment except he sees reliable people, but I don't see those people with him. He is still relying on governors that will disappoint him because not even all of them will win their states," Ayodele stated.

Ayodele also expressed concern over the President's reliance on foreign allies, noting that "Tinubu's dependence on the US and France for victory will further affect him." He warned that if the opposition works in the right path, it will be difficult for Tinubu to come back, and even the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may not be able to help him. The cleric called attention to an impending shock in the north, revealing that "the northerners will show themselves at the 11th hour."

The remarks have sparked widespread discussions about the country's economic situation and the impact of government policies on citizens. Ayodele's intervention comes just days after the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria raised similar concerns about hardship and insecurity during a meeting with President Tinubu, with Cardinal John Onaiyekan publicly stating that the bishops told the President that "Nigeria is bleeding." The Presidency had previously dismissed the bishops' concerns, with some aides accusing the clerics of being politically biased.

Ayodele, however, has stood by his position, insisting that his prophecies are being intentionally twisted and misrepresented by political actors. While he has denied reports that he predicted Tinubu would lose the 2027 election, he maintained that the President's second-term ambition is not yet certain. "It is not yet time for him to talk about who would win the election, but he will definitely do that when the time is right," Ayodele clarified.

The cleric's warning adds to the growing chorus of religious and civil society voices demanding that the Tinubu administration address the deepening economic crisis. As Nigerians continue to grapple with soaring living costs and widespread insecurity, Ayodele's message serves as a stark reminder that the government cannot afford to ignore the suffering of its citizens. "Don't say no to the truth," the Primate urged—a call that resonates with millions of Nigerians who are demanding accountability and action from their leaders.

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