Kwankwaso Demands Retraction, Apology From Primate Ayodele Over Alleged Defamatory Remarks

Abuja, Nigeria – June 24, 2026

Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a legal demand to popular cleric Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, seeking an immediate retraction and apology over alleged defamatory statements made against him.

The demand was contained in a letter dated June 11, 2026, written by Magaji Mato Ibrahim SAN & Co., legal representatives to Kwankwaso, and addressed to the founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos.

According to the letter, Kwankwaso's lawyers accused Primate Ayodele of making “false, malicious and derogatory” comments during a public address that was allegedly recorded and broadcast to a wide audience through social media and live-streaming platforms.

The legal team stated that the comments portrayed Kwankwaso as politically unreliable and dishonest, citing remarks allegedly suggesting that he would betray his political ally and had been financially induced to accept a vice-presidential position.

The solicitors argued that the statements were defamatory and damaging to the reputation of their client, whom they described as a prominent national and international political figure. They highlighted Kwankwaso's political career, noting that he had served as Governor of Kano State, Minister of Defence, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator, and presidential candidate before emerging as the NDC's vice-presidential candidate.

According to the letter, the publication and circulation of the remarks have attracted significant public attention and have the potential to undermine Kwankwaso's credibility, political integrity, and standing among supporters of the NDC.

Demands Issued

Kwankwaso's legal representatives demanded that Primate Ayodele:

Publish a full and unequivocal retraction of the alleged defamatory statements within 24 hours.

Issue a public apology across all social media platforms and reputable local and international media outlets, ensuring the apology receives the same level of prominence as the original publication.

Provide a written undertaking to refrain from making or republishing any allegedly defamatory statements against Kwankwaso in the future.

Threat of Legal Action

The lawyers further warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would result in legal proceedings being initiated against the cleric.

The letter stated that Kwankwaso would seek ₦10 billion in damages, alongside the full cost of legal action and any other reliefs the court may deem appropriate.

“Take notice that if you neglect, fail or refuse to accede to our reasonable demands within the stipulated time frame, we have our client's instruction to take out appropriate legal proceedings against you without further recourse,” the letter read.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official public response from Primate Ayodele regarding the allegations and legal demands contained in the letter.

The development adds a new dimension to the political and legal debates surrounding public commentary, freedom of expression, and reputational rights as Nigeria's political landscape continues to evolve ahead of future electoral contests.

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