Kwankwaso threatens to sue Primate Ayodele for N10 bn in defamation damages

Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the vice‑presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has warned that he will pursue a N10 billion defamation claim against Primate Elijah Ayodele, calling for an immediate retraction and apology regarding alleged defamatory statements.

The warning was issued in a legal letter dated 11 June 2026, sent by Kwankwaso’s counsel, Magaji Mato Ibrahim, SAN, & Co., and released publicly on Wednesday.

In the letter, Kwankwaso’s legal team alleged that the cleric had made false, malicious and derogatory remarks that harmed the candidate’s reputation.

The lawyers contended that Ayodele, during a recorded public address that was widely shared online, alleged that Kwankwaso was untrustworthy.

“Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi, Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be vice president to Obi,” the letter quoted the cleric as saying.

The letter described the remarks as deliberate, premeditated, false and unsubstantiated.

The letter further said the remarks were intended to portray Kwankwaso as deceitful and insincere.

The letter noted that the remarks had trended on social media and been reported by local and international outlets, causing reputational damage.

Kwankwaso’s lawyers demanded that Ayodele issue a full retraction and apology within 24 hours.

“That you immediately within twenty-four (24) hours publish a full, direct and unequivocal retraction of and apology for the false, malicious and defamatory publication,” the letter stated.

They also requested that the cleric provide a written undertaking to cease any further defamatory statements against the candidate.

The legal team warned that non‑compliance would trigger court proceedings.

“Take notice that if you neglect, fail or refuse to accede to our demands, we have our client’s instruction to take out appropriate legal proceedings wherein we shall claim damages to the tune of ten billion naira,” the letter added.

Kwankwas