The Kwankwasiyya Movement has declared that it will pursue all available legal remedies to protect the reputation of its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, following alleged defamatory statements made by Primate Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church .
Movement Responds to Alleged Defamatory Remarks
The movement, in a statement issued on Wednesday night by spokesperson Habeeb Sale Mohammed, said it is open to criticism but will not tolerate what it described as deliberate falsehoods designed to damage Kwankwaso's reputation .
"We are open to criticism, but not lies," the statement said, adding that political leaders are expected to face scrutiny in a democratic society while maintaining a clear distinction between constructive criticism and deliberate falsehood .
The movement expressed its belief in freedom of expression but warned against the spread of malicious allegations that could incite hatred or create divisions .
Kwankwaso Issues 24-Hour Ultimatum
Senator Kwankwaso, who is the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has reportedly threatened to institute a N10 billion defamation suit against the cleric over the alleged remarks . His legal team sent a pre-action notice dated June 11, 2026, demanding a retraction and apology within 24 hours .
The statement to which Primate Ayodele reportedly said during a sermon: "Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi, Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be vice president to Obi" . These comments have since gone viral across social media and news outlets .
Kwankwasiyya Warns: No One Above the Law
The Kwankwasiyya Movement further warned that those spreading false claims should be prepared to defend them through legal means, regardless of status or position .
"No individual is above the law. No office is too high. No position is too influential. Whether the source of the falsehood is a politician, a cleric, a traditional ruler, a media personality or any other public figure, we shall not hesitate to pursue every lawful remedy available to protect the integrity, reputation and dignity of our leader and our movement," the statement added .
The movement also emphasized that public discourse must be guided by facts, evidence, and honesty, noting that "democracy cannot thrive where falsehood is elevated above truth" .
The Alleged Defamatory Statements
The comments in question were reportedly made during a live-streamed church service in which Primate Ayodele claimed that Kwankwaso would negatively affect Peter Obi's presidential ambition and that he was doing everything for his personal interest .
Ayodele had reportedly said: "Peter Obi doesn't listen to divine instructions, and because of this, he has fallen into the wrong hands for his ambition. Kwankwaso isn't ready to fight for him; he will eventually sell him out... Kwankwaso is doing everything for his personal interest and nothing more" .
Background: Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket
The NDC has affirmed Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, with Kwankwaso named as his running mate . The convention formally ratified the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket at a Special Convention in Abuja .
Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State who has spent over four decades in public service, has emphasized that while public office comes with scrutiny, he would not allow unverified allegations to tarnish a reputation built over many years .
As of the time of filing this report, Primate Ayodele had not publicly responded to the legal threats .
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