The Founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has said he does not believe the presidential ticket of Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) will succeed in the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking during a church service in a video shared on X, the cleric argued that the NDC would have been in a stronger political position if it had joined forces with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to form a united opposition coalition.

According to Ayodele, contesting the election as a standalone party could weaken the NDC’s chances against other major political parties.

“You see the NDC party in Nigeria, assuming you can listen. Instead of you going as a solo party, you would have merged with the ADC and formed a coalition.”

The cleric further stated that he does not see the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket making significant electoral gains in the 2027 presidential contest.

“But you alone going solo, NDC is not in the calculation. They call it OK but I’m not seeing anything okay.

I do not see ‘OK’ (Obi and Kwankwaso) going anywhere in the 2027 presidential election,” he said.

Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso emerged as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the NDC after leaving the ADC in May 2026, citing internal divisions and ongoing legal disputes within the party.

Since then, the NDC has maintained that it is focused on building a nationwide political structure capable of challenging both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition parties in the next general election.

Ayodele’s latest remarks come amid increasing political realignments, coalition discussions, and campaign preparations as parties position themselves ahead of the official commencement of campaigns for the 2027 elections.

While the cleric’s comments have attracted attention, they represent his personal opinion and political assessment.

The outcome of the 2027 presidential election will ultimately be determined by Nigerian voters through the electoral process conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Political parties have intensified internal consultations over the leadership of their presidential campaign organisations ahead of the 2027 general election, with the ADC and APC yet to formally announce directors-general for their respective presidential campaigns.

The consultations come as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to open the official campaign window for presidential candidates on August 19, prompting major political parties to finalise campaign structures.

According to party sources, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has emerged as the leading contender to serve as Director-General of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign under the ADC.

Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Senator representing Sokoto South, previously served as Director-General of Atiku’s 2023 presidential campaign under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

His political experience and long-standing relationship with the former vice president are said to be key factors in his consideration.

A senior ADC source, who spoke anonymously because no official announcement has been made, said Tambuwal currently enjoys broad support within the party.

If appointed, Tambuwal is expected to work closely with Rotimi Amaechi, Atiku’s running mate, in coordinating campaign activities across the country.

However, ADC officials insist consultations are still ongoing.

Former PDP Deputy National Youth Leader and ADC chieftain, Timothy Osadolor, said discussions remain inconclusive.

“They have not agreed on a name yet, but they are to meet this Wednesday. Some names have been suggested,” Osadolor said.

APC Yet to Announce Campaign Director-General

Within the ruling APC, consultations are also continuing over who will head President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Party insiders identified former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma among the leading contenders for the influential position.

Sources within the Presidency said political experience, organisational ability, regional considerations, and party dynamics are among the factors guiding the decision.

One Presidency source indicated that Governor Uzodimma currently enjoys considerable support among influential stakeholders within the APC, although no final decision has been reached.

Other political parties, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), are also yet to unveil the leadership of their presidential campaign organisations.

National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, confirmed that consultations remain ongoing and that an announcement would be made once discussions are concluded.

Political analysts say the appointment of campaign directors-general is a crucial step in every presidential election, as they coordinate strategy, mobilisation, fundraising, logistics, media engagement, and nationwide campaign operations.

With the official campaign season set to begin later this month, attention is expected to shift from internal consultations to full-scale political campaigns as parties position themselves for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential election.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Osa Director, has called on Nigerians to support the party in the 2027 general election, describing it as the most credible alternative for the country’s future.

Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, Director said the NDC is offering Nigerians a leadership team with what he described as verifiable records of public service, integrity, and experience.

According to him, the party’s leadership comprises individuals whose contributions to governance and national development are already in the public domain, making it easier for Nigerians to assess their suitability for public office.

Among those he highlighted were the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi; vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; the party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas; and other national officers.

Director maintained that the NDC’s leadership is built on accountability, transparency, and competence, arguing that these qualities distinguish the party from its political rivals.

“Our leaders have established records that Nigerians can verify. We are asking Nigerians to judge us based on our pedigree, our performance in public service, and our commitment to national development,” he said during the interview.

He urged voters to evaluate political parties based on their leadership quality, governance track record, and policy direction rather than campaign rhetoric.

The NDC spokesperson also said the party remains committed to addressing Nigeria’s economic, security, and governance challenges through policies aimed at promoting national unity, institutional reforms, and sustainable development.

His comments come as political parties continue to intensify consultations and public engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The NDC has in recent months positioned itself as one of the major opposition platforms seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the APC nor other political parties had officially responded to Director’s remarks.

Political analysts note that as the election season gathers momentum, parties are expected to increasingly highlight their strengths while seeking to persuade voters through policy proposals, campaign messages, and public debates.