Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to persuade former President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki to contest for the presidency if the party hopes to secure victory in 2027.
Atiku Not PDP’s Answer – Ayodele
In a statement on Monday, Primate Ayodele dismissed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the wrong candidate for the PDP, warning that another Atiku candidacy would lead to the party’s final collapse.

“If PDP wants to near victory, they should persuade Goodluck Jonathan to contest under the party to wake them from their slumber,” Ayodele stated.
He stressed that Atiku lacks the capacity to defeat President Bola Tinubu, urging him instead to support a viable candidate.
“The best thing Atiku can do is support a good candidate, and the best option for PDP at the moment is Jonathan.
I initially advised against Jonathan contesting, but as it stands, he is the only one who can prevent PDP’s final burial,” he added.
Call for Coalition and Support for Jonathan
Ayodele further suggested that a partnership between Jonathan and Saraki, backed by a coalition of opposition parties, would significantly improve PDP’s chances in the 2027 election.
“If Jonathan can join forces with Saraki and secure the support of a coalition, PDP has a chance at victory,” he said.
However, he noted that Jonathan remains hesitant due to fear of the unknown and urged the party to provide him with the necessary backing.
“If the PDP can persuade him and give him full support, he will be able to help the party survive,” Ayodele stated.
Tinubu’s Strength and the 2027 Challenge
Primate Ayodele warned that if Jonathan does not contest and opposition parties fail to unite, President Tinubu will retain power.
He described the kind of candidate needed to defeat Tinubu as one who is desperate, financially stable, fearless, rugged, and ready to make significant sacrifices.
“The person that will win against Tinubu must not be righteous; he must be spiritually inclined, fearless, and rugged.
The 2027 election isn’t for lazy people but for those determined to win at all costs,” Ayodele asserted.
He added that any serious contender must be prepared to accept both “lies and truth” and possess the financial and strategic strength to match Tinubu’s political machinery.
“Tinubu is too strong to be pushed aside. The election will be won by someone who understands the game and is willing to play it,” he concluded.
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