The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has threatened legal action against popular cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele over alleged defamatory comments concerning his political relationship with NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi.

According to a letter issued by Kwankwaso’s legal representatives, Magaji Mato Ibrahim (SAN) & Co., the former Kano governor is demanding a public retraction and apology over remarks allegedly made by Ayodele during a sermon that was reportedly recorded, livestreamed, and subsequently circulated across social media platforms and news outlets.

The legal team argued that the statements were false, malicious, and damaging to their client’s reputation.

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The controversy centers on remarks allegedly attributed to Ayodele in which he reportedly questioned Kwankwaso’s loyalty to Peter Obi and suggested that financial inducement influenced his emergence as the NDC vice-presidential candidate.

According to the lawyers, the cleric allegedly stated:

“Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi, Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be vice president to Obi.”

Kwankwaso’s lawyers contend that the comments directly attack his credibility, sincerity, and political integrity.

In the letter dated June 11, 2026, the legal team described the publication as “deliberate, premeditated, false, unprovoked, grossly unfounded and unsubstantiated.”

They further argued that the remarks portrayed their client as dishonest, insincere, and untrustworthy in the eyes of the public.

The legal notice demanded that Ayodele publish a full retraction and apology within 24 hours of receiving the correspondence.

According to the demands, the apology must be published across all social media platforms and reputable local and international media outlets, with visibility comparable to that of the original publication.

The lawyers also requested a written undertaking from the cleric, assuring that he would refrain from making or republishing similar statements about Kwankwaso in the future.

They maintained that failure to comply would result in immediate legal action.

Kwankwaso’s legal representatives warned that non-compliance could lead to a defamation suit seeking damages of ₦10 billion, in addition to legal costs and other reliefs that may be granted by the court.

The letter stated that they had received firm instructions from their client to pursue the matter if the demands were ignored.

The dispute adds a new dimension to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, where public statements by religious leaders and political commentators increasingly attract legal scrutiny, especially during periods of heightened political activity.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no public response from Primate Ayodele regarding the allegations or the legal threat.