The Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, has described the continued detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, alongside the granting of pardons to repentant terrorists, as a grave injustice and a major obstacle to Nigeria’s progress.

Primate Ayodele made the remarks on Friday in Lagos during the unveiling of the 2026/2027 edition of Warnings to the Nations, his annual compendium of prophecies for countries, governments, institutions and individuals across the world.

Speaking on national issues, the cleric questioned the government’s sense of justice, arguing that while individuals accused of terrorism have benefited from presidential pardon and rehabilitation programmes, Kanu remains in detention.

“Injustice remains one of the greatest impediments to Nigeria’s progress. How do we explain a situation where the government continues to pardon Boko Haram members and other terrorists while keeping Nnamdi Kanu in prison? You cannot allow injustice to prevail and expect the country to make progress,” he said.

Regarding the 2027 general election, Primate Ayodele predicted that the presidential contest would be primarily between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He, however, cautioned President Tinubu against relying on those around him, warning that they could undermine his re-election bid.

“Nigerians will take the 2027 election very seriously because many are dissatisfied with the Tinubu administration. The government will make several adjustments and policy corrections, but I foresee that many of the people surrounding Tinubu will make costly mistakes that could jeopardise his victory. If he is not careful and continues to rely on them, he should expect a major surprise at the polls,” he said.

On insecurity, the cleric urged President Tinubu to demonstrate greater commitment to tackling the nation’s security challenges.

“As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Tinubu must be prepared to do everything necessary to defend Nigeria. He must take decisive action to secure the release of the schoolchildren and their teachers who have remained in captivity for almost two months. The government can secure their freedom within 24 hours if it truly wants to. They should stop playing politics with the lives of these children.

“If they could rescue the sister of the former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and her children, I see no reason they cannot rescue the abducted Oyo schoolchildren,” he said.

Primate Ayodele also shared further predictions on the 2027 presidential election, saying the North would ultimately determine the winner.

According to him, Peter Obi would struggle to make significant electoral gains in the North, while Tinubu would also face stiff competition in the region. He said Atiku Abubakar would enjoy stronger support in the North through the influence of traditional rulers, elder statesmen and the international community.

“The Arewa Consultative Forum will be divided because of Tinubu. Atiku will secure at least 25 per cent of the votes in the South-West and South-East, while Tinubu will also record about 25 per cent in both regions. Tinubu will intensify political campaigns and propaganda to strengthen his position in the North.

“The North will determine the outcome of the election. No candidate will secure total dominance in Kano. Whoever wins Kano will gain a significant advantage. I foresee Peter Obi being shortchanged in Kano. Kano will be a fierce contest between Tinubu and Atiku, while Abuja will be a battleground for Tinubu, Atiku and Obi. I do not foresee Obi securing 25 per cent of the votes in Abuja,” he said.

On security, Primate Ayodele urged Nigerians to remain prayerful while calling on the government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

He predicted intensified military operations against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other extremist groups, but warned that the country could also witness deadly reprisal attacks.

“I foresee attempts to disrupt the preparations for the 2027 elections. Hoodlums and elements within the opposition will seek to create a violent atmosphere to frustrate the electoral process. Activists will come under serious threats.

“I also foresee more abduction of students. Nigerians should pray against the kidnapping of National Youth Service Corps members and road accidents involving corps members. Some politicians will also be abducted by criminal gangs.

“Banditry will spread to more parts of the country. The 2027 elections will witness considerable tension, with incidents of insurgency, attacks on motor parks, shootings and kidnappings. However, I foresee the Nigerian Army neutralising the leader of a notorious terrorist organisation,” he said. (The Sun)