The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki to contest in the 2027 presidential election if the party hopes to secure victory.
In a statement issued on Monday, Primate Ayodele dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as an unsuitable candidate for the PDP, warning that another presidential bid by Atiku would mark the party’s final downfall. Instead, he suggested that Jonathan, supported by Saraki and a coalition of opposition parties, represents the best path forward for the PDP.
“If PDP wants to get close to victory, they should convince Goodluck Jonathan to contest under the party and revive their chances. Atiku is not the answer, and if he runs again, it will be the final burial of the PDP. He lacks the capacity to unseat President Tinubu,” Ayodele stated.
He further revealed that Jonathan is hesitant about returning to the presidential race due to fear of the unknown. However, he urged the PDP to provide the former president with the necessary support and encouragement to overcome his reluctance.
“If Jonathan is willing to contest, he must be ready to take decisive steps. But he is scared. The PDP must persuade him and offer the backing he needs to commit to the race,” he added.
Primate Ayodele also emphasized that without Jonathan’s candidacy or a strong opposition coalition, President Bola Tinubu is likely to retain his seat in 2027. He described the individual capable of defeating Tinubu as someone who is financially powerful, politically rugged, and willing to make bold, unconventional decisions.
“The person who will defeat Tinubu must be financially stable, spiritually inclined, desperate, and fearless. The 2027 election will not be for the faint-hearted but for those who are determined to go all the way. Tinubu is too strong to be easily unseated,” he asserted.
He concluded that a successful challenger must be prepared to navigate the complexities of Nigerian politics, emphasizing that the upcoming election will demand resilience, strategy, and significant financial investment.
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