Prophet Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, has predicted that several incumbent governors may not be reelected in the 2027 general elections. In a statement released by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the prophet specifically mentioned five states whose governors could face defeat: Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, Kano, and Kaduna. Notably, all these states are currently under the control of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Prophet Ayodele stated, "Not every governor will smile after the election. The following state governors are Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, Kano, and Kaduna." This prophecy has stirred discussions among political observers as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls.
INEC Reschedules 2027 Governorship Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has moved the 2027 governorship and state House of Assembly elections to Saturday, February 6, 2027. This change follows the enactment of the new Electoral Act, 2026, which replaced the repealed 2022 law. Initially scheduled for March 6, 2027, the dates were adjusted to avoid coinciding with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which could affect voter turnout. INEC also revised the timeline for pre-election and electoral activities to align with the new legislation.
Opposition Urges Electoral Law Reforms
Mike Igini, a former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, has called on opposition parties to demand amendments to controversial provisions in the Electoral Act 2026. Speaking at an opposition convention in Ibadan on April 25, Igini urged parties to approach the National Assembly to address what he described as "obnoxious and very controversial" sections of the law. This appeal comes amid ongoing coalition talks among opposition groups, which have resolved to field a single candidate against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Kano Governor Dismisses ADC Threat
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed confidence in his reelection under the APC, dismissing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as incapable of winning the 2027 polls in the state. Governor Yusuf highlighted his administration's achievements in delivering democratic dividends to the people of Kano, reinforcing his party's stronghold in the northwest state.
