EXCLUSIVE: 8 APC Governors to Work Against Tinubu Ahead of 2027

Fresh political tension is brewing within Nigeria’s ruling party following a startling prophecy by Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, who has warned that no fewer than eight governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may work against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party as the 2027 general election approaches.

 

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the outspoken cleric claimed that internal disloyalty, not just opposition pressure, could pose one of the greatest threats to the ruling party’s re-election bid. According to him, the governors in question may either remain within the APC while covertly undermining its electoral chances or defect outright to opposition parties—but regardless of their path, their ultimate objective would be to weaken the president’s hold on power.

 

“I see about eight governors working against APC ahead of 2027,” Primate Ayodele said in the statement. “It’s either they stay in the party to work against the party or move to an opposition party. But in all, they will not be supporting the president.”

 

The prophecy has ignited conversations across political circles, particularly as Nigeria inches closer to another election cycle marked by intense power struggles, shifting alliances, and growing public discontent over economic hardship and governance challenges.

 

A Warning of Internal Crisis

 

Primate Ayodele, known for issuing politically charged prophecies that often generate controversy, suggested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may face a tougher re-election battle than many within the APC currently anticipate. He warned that the president is surrounded by forces that appear loyal on the surface but may be working at cross purposes behind the scenes.

 

“President Tinubu will not find it easy in the election,” the cleric cautioned. “There are so many things around him that look real, but they are not. They will soon start getting uncovered, so he has to prepare.”

 

Though he did not name the governors allegedly involved, the prophecy has fueled speculation about growing cracks within the ruling party, especially amid lingering disputes over power-sharing, party leadership, federal appointments, and resource control.

 

Political analysts note that internal sabotage has historically played a decisive role in Nigerian elections, often more damaging than open opposition attacks. In previous electoral cycles, internal rifts within dominant parties have led to defections, parallel campaign structures, and weakened grassroots mobilization.

 

Defections and the Rise of a Coalition

 

Adding another layer of intrigue, Primate Ayodele predicted that a major political figure would soon defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party increasingly being mentioned in discussions around a potential opposition coalition ahead of 2027.

“I am seeing a big name decamping to the ADC very soon,” he said. “It will be a shocker to people and the political scene of the country. It will happen very, very soon.”

The ADC, formally known as the African Democratic Congress, has in recent months been linked to talks of a broad-based coalition aimed at unseating the APC in the next general election. While the party remains relatively small compared to Nigeria’s major political platforms, its role as a potential rallying point for disgruntled politicians from both the ruling party and the opposition has attracted attention.

 

Observers say a high-profile defection could significantly boost the ADC’s visibility and credibility, especially if the individual commands national influence or has strong regional support.

 

Controversial Claims of Foreign Influence

 

In a related but more controversial claim, Primate Ayodele reiterated his earlier warning that former United States President Donald Trump is allegedly working towards unseating President Tinubu. According to the cleric, certain international actions presented as assistance to Nigeria may conceal deeper political motives.

 

He argued that global interests in Nigeria’s economy, security, and strategic positioning could influence the country’s political direction, though he did not provide concrete evidence to support the claim. The allegation has been met with skepticism in diplomatic and political circles, with many dismissing it as speculative and far-fetched.

 

Nevertheless, the comment taps into a long-standing narrative within parts of Nigeria’s political discourse that foreign powers often exert subtle influence on domestic politics, especially in resource-rich and strategically important countries.

 

Atiku, Jonathan, and the Opposition Equation

 

Primate Ayodele also revisited his earlier prophecy regarding the opposition’s presidential calculations, claiming that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may come under pressure to step aside for former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of 2027.

 

According to him, such a move would be part of a broader strategy to present a consensus candidate capable of uniting diverse opposition interests and challenging the APC’s dominance. While neither Atiku nor Jonathan has publicly confirmed any such arrangement, the speculation underscores ongoing debates within opposition ranks over zoning, electability, and coalition-building.

 

APC Silent as Speculation Grows

 

As of the time of filing this report, the APC leadership and the presidency have not officially responded to Primate Ayodele’s claims. However, party insiders privately describe the prophecy as politically motivated and lacking factual basis.

 

Still, the warning comes at a sensitive time for the ruling party. With rising inflation, security concerns, and public dissatisfaction over economic reforms, analysts believe the APC cannot afford internal fractures if it hopes to retain power in 2027.

 

Looking Ahead

 

Whether Primate Ayodele’s predictions will materialize remains to be seen. His prophecies have in the past drawn both praise and criticism—praised by followers who believe in his spiritual insight and criticized by skeptics who view his pronouncements as provocative commentary on unfolding political trends.

 

What is clear, however, is that Nigeria’s political landscape is already entering a period of quiet maneuvering. Behind closed doors, alliances are being tested, loyalties reassessed, and strategies refined. As 2027 draws nearer, the question is not only who will challenge President Tinubu—but whether the greatest threat to his re-election could indeed come from within his own party.