Kwankwaso threatens N10bn defamation suit against Primate Ayodele

Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has threatened legal action against cleric Babatunde Elijah Ayodele over alleged defamatory remarks made against him.

In a demand letter issued through his lawyers, Magaji Mato Ibrahim SAN & Co., Kwankwaso accused the cleric of making false and damaging statements capable of harming his reputation and political standing.

The letter, dated June 11, 2026, and signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Magaji Mato Ibrahim, demanded an immediate retraction and public apology within 24 hours, warning that failure to comply could result in a ₦10 billion lawsuit.

According to the legal team, the disputed remarks were allegedly made by Primate Ayodele during a church service that was broadcast live and later circulated on social media and various news platforms.

The lawyers claimed the cleric falsely alleged that Kwankwaso was insincere in his relationship with NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and would eventually betray him.

Among the statements cited were claims that “Kwankwaso is fake to Obi,” “Kwankwaso will betray Obi,” and “Kwankwaso has been paid to be Vice President to Obi.”

Kwankwaso’s lawyers described the remarks as false, malicious and intended to portray their client as dishonest and politically unreliable.

They argued that the statements were capable of damaging his credibility, integrity and long-standing political reputation built through decades of public service, including his tenure as governor, minister, senator and presidential candidate.

The legal team also alleged that the comments were aimed at creating distrust within the NDC and among its supporters.

As part of their demands, the lawyers requested a full and unequivocal retraction of the statements, a public apology on all platforms where the remarks were circulated, and a written undertaking that no further defamatory comments would be made against their client.

They warned that if the demands were not met within the stipulated period, Kwankwaso would institute legal proceedings seeking ₦10 billion in damages, litigation costs and other reliefs deemed appropriate by the court.

As of the time of filing this report, Primate Ayodele had not publicly responded to the allegations or the legal threat.