The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, has predicted that Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election will be largely determined by the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary rather than the electorate.
The cleric made the remark in a statement released through his media aide while speaking on the likely developments that could shape the outcome of the next general election.
According to Ayodele, the process leading to the emergence of Nigeria’s next president may not be decided primarily by voters at the polls. Instead, he suggested that the roles played by the electoral commission and the court system could become the key factors influencing the final outcome of the contest.
The cleric warned that controversies surrounding the interpretation of the Electoral Act and constitutional provisions may arise during and after the election. He said such issues could generate disputes that may eventually be resolved through legal processes rather than through the ballot alone.
Ayodele also predicted that the 2027 presidential election could trigger serious tensions in the country if proper caution is not taken. He advised Nigerians to pray against a potential post-election crisis, stressing that disagreements over the electoral process could lead to widespread dissatisfaction among citizens.
According to him, the election period may witness allegations of electoral malpractice and technological interference. He warned that incidents such as hacking or disruptions to internet services during the election period could become major issues of concern.
The Lagos-based cleric further predicted that the electoral commission may face criticism and embarrassment during the election period due to allegations of irregularities. He added that the judiciary may also come under intense public scrutiny if court decisions determine the final outcome of the presidential contest.
Ayodele expressed concern that a situation where the courts play a decisive role in determining election results could lead to declining public trust in the judicial system. He suggested that many Nigerians might question legal interpretations of the electoral process if disputes escalate after the election.
The cleric also advised civil society organisations, activists and election observers to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process. According to him, these groups will play an important role in ensuring transparency and accountability during the conduct of the election and the declaration of results.
He stressed that citizens and advocacy groups must pay close attention to developments surrounding the electoral process if they want the will of the people to be properly reflected in the outcome of the election.
Political discussions about the 2027 election have continued to intensify across Nigeria as various political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the next presidential race. Several prominent politicians are expected to contest the election, which is likely to be one of the most competitive political battles in recent years.
Observers believe the coming years will witness increasing political alignments, coalition building and debates over governance as political parties prepare for the next general election cycle.
With political tension already building across the country, Ayodele’s prophecy has added another dimension to the growing national conversation about how Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election may unfold.
