The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has vehemently denied claims that he predicted President Bola Tinubu would not win a second term in the upcoming 2027 elections.

In a statement released through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele described the circulating reports as deliberate misrepresentations orchestrated by mischief makers and political actors who quoted him out of context.

The controversy stems from tweets on X (formerly Twitter) that alleged Ayodele said: "If Peter Obi becomes president, war and tragedy will befall Nigeria. Tinubu is the best candidate, but he may not win."

Addressing these claims, Ayodele clarified that during a recent interview, he actually stated that Tinubu would be the preferable candidate if Peter Obi and Abubakar Atiku emerge as opposition candidates. He further recalled emphasizing that neither Atiku nor Obi would govern Nigeria more effectively than Tinubu.

"It's a common fact that my prophecies get twisted for selfish interest among political actors. I just want to advise everyone not to say what I didn't say. I never said Tinubu will not win," Ayodele stated. "I will not change what I said, but when you don't understand my words, seek clarification and don't see the anger of God."

The spiritual leader explained that his original statements were warnings to Tinubu regarding three individuals who could potentially affect his second-term ambitions and three actions the President needs to take—not a definitive declaration about the 2027 election outcome.

"Everything I see on Twitter about Tinubu isn't true," he added. "I know some of you might have been paid by your paymasters but you shouldn't misquote my statements."

Primate Ayodele also categorically denied ever suggesting that Nigeria would experience war if Peter Obi became President, urging Nigerians to disregard such reports as they did not originate from him.

This clarification comes amid increasing political discussions surrounding the 2027 presidential election, with various political figures already positioning themselves for potential candidacies.