Former Kano State Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a formal demand for a public retraction and apology from Elijah Ayodele over alleged defamatory remarks made against him.
Through his legal representatives, Kwankwaso described the statements attributed to Primate Ayodele as false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation, character, and standing in public life.
The legal notice reportedly gave the cleric a 24-hour ultimatum to withdraw the alleged statements, issue an unreserved public apology, and take steps to correct what Kwankwaso’s team described as misinformation.
According to the former governor’s lawyers, failure to comply with the demand within the stipulated timeframe would leave their client with no option but to pursue legal remedies through the appropriate courts.
The dispute adds another layer to the growing intersection between Nigerian politics, public commentary, and the law of defamation, especially as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Defamation cases involving public figures often revolve around the balance between the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the legal protection of an individual’s reputation.
As of the time the legal demand became public, there was no indication that Primate Ayodele had issued an official response to the allegations or complied with the request for a retraction.
The development has generated political discussions among supporters of both figures, with some defending the right of public commentators to express opinions, while others argue that allegations against individuals must be supported by verifiable facts.
The outcome of the dispute may determine whether the matter is resolved through a public apology or proceeds to a legal battle in court.
