Primate Ayodele denies Tinubu endorsement, saying his 2026 prophecy was misinterpreted and that he does not support any politician

Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, Nigeria, firmly denied endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, describing reports suggesting otherwise as misleading and unprofessional.

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The cleric issued the clarification following a report by a national newspaper which claimed that he endorsed President Tinubu during the public presentation of his 2026 prophecies.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele said his remarks at the event were taken out of context, insisting that he never endorsed the president or any political figure.

Primate Ayodele described the report as disturbing and mischievous, noting that several media organisations present at the event accurately understood his position.

“I was quoted to have endorsed President Tinubu for a second term in office during the presentation of my 2026 prophecies,” he said.

“I find it appalling that despite clear explanations, my words were twisted.”

The cleric stressed that he has no role in partisan politics and does not seek favour from political leaders.

“For record purposes, I have no business endorsing anyone for political positions. I am not a politician. I am a prophet, and my duty is to speak the mind of God on national and global issues,” he said.

Setting the record straight, Primate Ayodele explained that his comments focused on comparative governance and voter behaviour, not political support.

He said he merely observed that President Tinubu has performed better than the late President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that Nigerians would prioritise integrity and competence over party loyalty in future elections.

“What I said did not in any way endorse President Tinubu,” he said.

“I stated that Nigerians will vote for integrity and intelligence in the next election, not just party affiliation.”

The prophet added that while President Tinubu has good intentions for the country, challenges remain within the administration.

“President Tinubu means well for Nigerians, but the people around him are not sincerely executing what has been entrusted to them,” he said.

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Primate Ayodele urged Nigerians to disregard reports suggesting political endorsements and called on journalists to uphold professional ethics by seeking clarification before publication.