Nigeria Cleric Warns of Political, Economic and Security Turbulence Ahead of 2027 Elections
By Arotolu Olawale, The People’s Voice Nigeria News
A prominent Nigerian cleric on Friday warned of political instability, economic disruptions and rising security risks in the run-up to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, urging leaders and voters to prioritise integrity and competence over party loyalty.
Speaking at a year-end press conference in Lagos, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, said internal divisions within political parties, vote-buying and elite betrayal could undermine the country’s democratic process.
Ayodele cautioned that President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces mounting challenges from political realignments, economic pressures and public discontent, warning that hardship-driven protests and institutional strain could intensify if urgent corrective measures are not taken.
“Nigerians will not only vote for parties in 2027,” Ayodele said. “They will vote for integrity, pedigree and substance.”
Warnings on Politics and Governance
The cleric predicted that internal opposition and loss of trust among political allies could weaken the ruling party ahead of the next election cycle. He warned that propaganda campaigns, blackmail and electoral malpractice, including vote-buying, could become more pronounced as political competition intensifies.
Ayodele also warned of potential attacks on electoral officials and political convoys, as well as heightened tensions within Nigeria’s legislative chambers, underscoring concerns over institutional stability in Africa’s most populous nation.
Nigeria’s last general election, held in 2023, was marred by logistical failures and allegations of irregularities, though the government has pledged reforms ahead of future polls.
Economic and Corporate Risks
Beyond politics, Ayodele flagged potential turbulence in key sectors of the Nigerian economy, including banking, telecommunications and energy.
He warned that regulatory pressures and financial instruments such as treasury bills could expose vulnerabilities within parts of the banking sector, while telecommunications firms may face infrastructure disruptions, network outages and workforce restructuring.
Nigeria has grappled with high inflation, currency volatility and rising living costs since the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange-rate reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.
Security Concerns
On security, Ayodele warned of evolving kidnapping tactics, increased banditry and ambushes on security personnel, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria. He urged religious institutions, universities and public facilities to strengthen security measures, warning that faith alone should not replace vigilance.
Nigeria has for years battled insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest and separatist tensions in the southeast, placing sustained pressure on security forces.
Global Outlook
The cleric also spoke on global affairs, predicting heightened geopolitical tensions involving major powers, including the United States and China, alongside instability in parts of the Middle East, Europe and Asia. He warned of the risk of natural disasters and aviation incidents worldwide, calling on governments to strengthen preparedness and crisis response mechanisms.
Ayodele, whose annual prophecies attract wide attention in Nigeria, has previously made political and economic forecasts that supporters say later aligned with unfolding events, while critics caution against conflating religious prophecy with policy analysis.
Nevertheless, his yearly briefings continue to draw significant interest from media, political observers and the public, reflecting the enduring influence of religious figures in Nigeria’s civic and political life.
