The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has predicted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lose the 2027 presidential election, arguing that financial inducements or the distribution of food items would not determine the outcome of the poll.

The cleric made the remarks during a church service in Lagos, where he attributed his prediction to what he described as growing public frustration over economic hardship and the rising cost of living.

According to Ayodele, widespread hunger and economic challenges have fuelled public dissatisfaction, which he believes could influence voter behaviour during the next general election.

“There is anger and hunger in the land. By the election, you will see how people will show their grievances. Rice and money will not stop it… Tinubu will lose this election,” he said.

Primate Ayodele also praised Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, for speaking on national issues.

He argued that religious leaders have a responsibility to speak truthfully about the country’s challenges and encourage leaders to act in the public interest.

His comments come as political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election continue to intensify, with political figures, civil society organisations, and religious leaders expressing differing views on the Tinubu administration’s handling of the economy, security, and governance.

President Tinubu’s administration has consistently maintained that its economic reforms, including fiscal and monetary policy adjustments, are designed to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.

Government officials have acknowledged that the reforms have imposed short-term hardships but insist they are necessary for long-term national development.

Political analysts note that statements by influential religious leaders often attract public attention in Nigeria, where faith-based organisations play a significant role in national discourse.

However, they also emphasise that election outcomes ultimately depend on the decisions of voters and the electoral process conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, political parties are expected to intensify campaigns, present policy alternatives, and seek support from voters across the country.

Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying it would be unfair to blame the President alone for Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges.

Kalu made the remarks during an interview while reacting to recent concerns raised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over the state of the nation.

The former governor acknowledged the influential role of the Catholic Bishops, describing them as the moral conscience of the country, but argued that many of the problems confronting Nigeria predate the current administration.

“The Catholic Bishops are the conscience of the country. There’s difficulty in Nigeria, but it’s not the fault of President Tinubu,” Kalu said.

According to the senator, Nigeria’s economic and security challenges have developed over many years and cannot be attributed solely to one administration.

His comments come amid growing public debate over inflation, the rising cost of living, insecurity, unemployment, and broader economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has, on several occasions, expressed concern over the country’s socio-economic situation, calling on government at all levels to address issues relating to insecurity, poverty, unemployment, corruption, and citizens’ welfare.

President Tinubu’s administration has consistently maintained that many of the economic reforms currently being implemented are intended to stabilise the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth, even though they have imposed short-term hardships on many Nigerians.

Government officials have repeatedly urged citizens to remain patient, arguing that ongoing reforms including fiscal adjustments, infrastructure investment, and security initiatives will yield positive results over time.

Political analysts say Kalu’s remarks reflect the continuing national debate over responsibility for Nigeria’s current challenges, with supporters of the administration pointing to inherited structural problems, while critics argue that the government should be judged by its handling of the country’s present realities.

As discussions continue, economic recovery, security, and governance are expected to remain dominant issues shaping Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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.