2027: Ayodele Warns Tinubu as ‘Bamayi’ Movement Gains Ground in Northern Nigeria

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Tinubu that the growing “Bamayi” movement in Northern Nigeria could pose a serious political challenge to his administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ayodele described the movement as a spiritual campaign aimed at removing Tinubu from power, insisting that it represents a growing rejection of the President and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The cleric’s position was contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, following the growing use of the expression “Bamayi” in parts of Northern Nigeria.

The development comes days after Tinubu was reportedly booed by some youths at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Abuja following Friday prayers, with the protesters chanting “Ba ma so”, a Hausa expression meaning “We don’t want”.

Reacting to the development, Ayodele said the chant should not be dismissed as an ordinary expression of public dissatisfaction, arguing that it represents a deeper movement against the President.

He cautioned Tinubu against taking the situation lightly, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the growing discontent in the North has extended beyond political leaders, with ordinary citizens increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with the administration.

“Tinubu must be careful about going to the North because they don’t want him. They don’t trust him with power, and they are not happy with the government.

“This has gone beyond the leaders because the masses are not interested in listening to their leaders; they just want a new government, and this is why the Bamayi chant is spreading rapidly in the North,” he said.

Ayodele further warned that the movement could extend beyond the presidency to affect governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives seeking political offices under the ruling party.

He maintained that the APC had yet to fully understand the implications of the development, warning that its potential electoral consequences could be significant.

“The ruling party hasn’t seen what this is all about, and it will extend to some state governors, senators, and House of Representatives members.

“It is a campaign to remove the ruling party, and the northerners are ready for this. Bamayi will do a lot because it is real. Tinubu should not take it for granted because it will send a lot of people away,” the cleric added.

Drawing a comparison between the emerging expression and Tinubu’s popular political slogan, “Emilokan”, which means “It is my turn”, Ayodele described Bamayi as its direct opposite.

He predicted that the movement could generate widespread electoral resistance before and during the 2027 polls, particularly if the grievances of the people remain unaddressed.

“They must not joke with it but quickly adjust and do all that is needful. There will be so much rejection before the election and during the election.

“Some candidates may not even be allowed to vote because of this. Bamayi is the opposite of ‘Emilokan’. People will come out en masse to vote despite the fact that they want to disenfranchise some of them,” he stated.

The cleric also claimed that the movement has an identifiable source, warning that efforts to contain it would prove difficult unless the President identifies and addresses its origins.

He urged Tinubu and the APC leadership to pay attention to the growing political discontent, warning that ignoring the development could create further difficulties for the ruling party as the 2027 elections approach.