Primate Elijah Ayodele, head of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to urgently confront Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, especially in the northern region. According to the cleric, continued inaction could lead to the forceful removal of governors by extremist groups determined to sabotage the federal administration.
Armed Groups Posing Major Threat to Governance in the North
In a message conveyed through his media representative, Oluwatosin Osho, on Tuesday, Ayodele expressed deep concern over the growing power of insurgents who, he said, aim to render the current government ineffective. He warned that militant factions are actively plotting to seize control of key government establishments in the North as part of a broader agenda to create chaos.
He explained that these actors have a clear mission: to undermine national leadership by destabilizing the northern states, which are already burdened by rising insecurity.
“These attackers intend to overrun state capitals and drive governors out of office if their actions go unchecked,” Ayodele cautioned. “Their strategy includes direct assaults on government institutions. It is a calculated attempt to derail the administration and sow unrest.”
Governors of Borno and Benue Urged to Remain Vigilant
The cleric specifically advised Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to bolster their internal security efforts, warning that both states stand at high risk of falling under insurgent control.
“If these governors do not act with urgency, they could lose their positions—not through democratic processes, but through force,” he warned. “These dangerous elements have grown bolder, and their next move might be the occupation of government houses.”
Ribadu, Tinubu Advised to Prioritize National Stability
Primate Ayodele didn’t mince words when addressing the National Security Adviser and the President. He called on both men to act without delay, stressing that decisive leadership is needed now more than ever. He described the security threats as orchestrated by shadowy groups who are working to destabilize Tinubu’s government from within.
“I urge President Tinubu and his national security team to act decisively,” Ayodele said. “The situation demands an immediate crackdown on those engineering this wave of destruction. These actors are not random criminals; they are deliberate saboteurs with a long-term strategy.”
Violence Likely to Spread to Capital and Neighboring States
Ayodele further warned that if urgent measures are not taken, the security situation will spill over into other parts of the country. He predicted that the violence would soon reach the Federal Capital Territory and several surrounding states.
He listed Abuja, Kaduna, Yobe, and Nasarawa as likely hotspots if the current wave of attacks remains unchecked.
“This is not an isolated problem. Insurgents will expand their reach. Their campaign will engulf more states if the federal government fails to respond quickly. Even the capital is not immune,” he warned.
National Response Must Include Prayer and Policy Shifts
In addition to advocating for tougher security measures, the spiritual leader called for collective prayer and national reflection. He warned that without divine intervention and meaningful government reforms, the country could plunge into deeper turmoil.
“This is both a spiritual and political emergency,” Ayodele said. “The country must unite in prayer to prevent further disaster. If nothing is done, we could witness elected governors abandoning their offices out of fear. That would be disastrous for Nigeria’s democracy.”
Conclusion
Primate Elijah Ayodele’s stark message to the presidency and security leadership paints a grim picture of the country’s fragile security architecture. With northern governors at risk of being ousted by force and violence threatening to spread to the capital, his appeal calls for immediate and strategic intervention. For the Tinubu administration, this moment represents a crucial test of its ability to protect state sovereignty and preserve democratic order across Nigeria.
