By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has sparked fresh political debate after asserting that the chances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu securing a second term in office will largely depend on voters in Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during a recent address, the cleric downplayed the influence of political mobilisation in the South-West, insisting that electoral outcomes in Nigeria are historically shaped by the North.
Ayodele stressed that regardless of the population strength or political unity of the Yoruba people, the ultimate decision on Tinubu’s re-election lies with the North.
According to him, “Northerners have not started with Tinubu; they are the ones who will decide his future. One billion Yoruba cannot decide Tinubu’s future. It may be that Tinubu will win if the North decides, and their decision could also be for him not to win.”
The controversial statement has since generated reactions across political circles, with analysts weighing the significance of regional voting patterns in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Ayodele further dismissed the effectiveness of South-West political strategies alone, noting that without substantial support from Northern Nigeria, such efforts may not be sufficient to secure electoral victory in future presidential elections.
His remarks add to the growing discourse on the influence of regional dynamics and voting blocs in determining leadership outcomes in Nigeria.
