Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has threatened to file a N10 billion defamation suit against Primate Elijah Ayodele over remarks alleging that he would betray Peter Obi.
Kwankwaso, who is reported to be the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), issued the threat through his legal representatives, Magaji Mato Ibrahim, SAN & Co.
In a demand letter dated June 11, 2026, the former governor’s lawyers gave Ayodele 24 hours to withdraw the statements and issue a public apology.
The letter was prompted by a viral video from a live-streamed church service in which the cleric allegedly questioned Kwankwaso’s loyalty to Obi.
According to the lawyers, Ayodele stated: “Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi, Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to be vice president to Obi,” among other remarks they described as defamatory.
Kwankwaso’s legal team maintained that the comments were false, malicious and harmful to his reputation. They argued that the statements were capable of causing disaffection within the party and creating division among supporters of both Obi and Kwankwaso.
The lawyers demanded that Ayodele publish a complete retraction on all social media platforms and media outlets where the comments were circulated.
They also requested a written undertaking from the cleric, assuring that he would refrain from making any further statements considered malicious against their client.
The legal team warned that if Ayodele fails to comply with the demands within the stipulated period, they will proceed with legal action seeking N10 billion in damages, in addition to the full cost of litigation.
