Kwankwaso files lawsuit against Primate Ayodele for alleged defamation

The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) vice‑presidential candidate Rabi’u Kwankwaso has sued INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele for alleged defamation.

Kwankwaso’s legal team, represented by Magaji Mato Ibrahim, SAN & Co., issued a letter posted on X demanding an immediate retraction and apology from Ayodele.

The letter cites a viral video from a live‑streamed church service in which Ayodele accused Kwankwaso of compromising Peter Obi’s presidential campaign by acting as a “fake” running mate and of being paid to serve as Obi’s vice‑president.

Daily Post notes that Ayodele had previously warned Obi that Kwankwaso would harm his presidential ambitions.

In the letter, the legal team quoted Ayodele as saying: “Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi, Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be Vice President to Obi, among other libellous comments, while pretending to be a preacher.”