The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has denied endorsing President Bola Tinubu during his 2026 prophecy presentation on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Though reports claimed he endorsed the president at the event, Primate Ayodele, through a statement signed by his media aide Osho Oluwatosin, said his prophecy was seriously misinterpreted by the media. He stressed that he never endorsed Tinubu for a second term during the presentation.
The prophet stated that he does not endorse anyone for political office, explaining he is not a politician but a messenger of God who speaks on national and global issues.
He said, “I have noticed that a national newspaper quoted me as endorsing President Tinubu for a second term during my 2026 prophecy presentation on December 20, 2025.
“I find it disturbing and misleading that the newspaper took my words out of context despite clarifications. Multiple media organisations were present and clearly heard my position on the upcoming election, so I question where the inaccurate report came from.
“For clarity, I do not endorse anyone for political positions; I am not a politician, nor am I seeking favour from President Tinubu. I have no reason to endorse him or anyone else. I am a prophet, and my words come from the Lord. My role is prophecy, not endorsement.”
Clarifying further, Primate Ayodele explained that he only said President Tinubu has performed better than former President Muhammadu Buhari, and that Nigerians will vote based on integrity in the next election.
“What I said was not an endorsement. I noted that Tinubu has done better than Buhari and that Nigerians will vote for integrity, not just party loyalty, in the next election.
“Putting the right people in the right positions in 2027 is what is needed. Nigerians will vote not only for parties but also for integrity and intelligence. President Ahmed Tinubu has done much better than the late Muhammadu Buhari.
“President Tinubu has good intentions for Nigerians, but those around him have failed to carry out his directives sincerely. He means well for everyone, but his aides are not sincere in fulfilling his orders.”
The prophet urged Nigerians to ignore such false reports in the future and called on journalists to uphold professional ethics by seeking clarifications when necessary.
