Primate Ayodele Said to Have Predicted Adeleke’s Re-election in Osun Governorship Poll Since February 2025

OSOGBO / LAGOS, August 16, 2026— The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party the winner of the just-concluded Osun State governorship election.

In the aftermath of the declaration, renewed attention has focused on statements made by Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, who said he had foretold Mr. Adeleke’s victory as early as February 2025.

February 2025 Engagement

According to video recordings and a statement published on the Osun State Government website, Governor Adeleke attended the church’s annual thanksgiving service in Lagos in February 2025. Also in attendance were former Liberian President George Weah, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries. During the programme, the governor performed the ground-breaking ceremony for a mosque constructed by the church.

Addressing the governor on the occasion, Primate Ayodele stated that Mr. Adeleke would secure a second term.

“If the All Progressives Congress (APC) should field Oyetola in 2026, he will still lose. Anybody the APC fields for the race, Adeleke will beat him. It is divine,” he said, according to the published transcript.

“I am now giving you God’s words that you, Governor Adeleke, will win the 2026 governorship election, no matter how it may be… Even if Tinubu came to Osun to campaign for APC and Oyetola, you will win.”

Subsequent Statements

In videos circulated on social media ahead of the election, the cleric reiterated the position.

“Osun election, I am being honest to every Nigerian. Except there is rigging, APC will not win,” he said in one clip.

In another, he addressed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and APC directly:

“As the Lord directs, let me advise the gubernatorial aspirants in Osun: don’t waste your money. I love that man in ADC, but he cannot win. APC has a lot of money to waste, but the only way is Adeleke. INEC will be his problem, he will win, but they want to use INEC to turn the clock. APC will not win Osun State.”

He also warned the electoral body:
“APC will not win Osun; I stand by the word. Not ADC, not APC, but Accord. INEC may want to compromise by planning with APC. Don’t put Osun on fire, because you will regret it.”

On election day, Primate Ayodele again urged the governor to remain vigilant:
“Adeleke, you are winning the election; don’t sleep now because APC wants to do nasty things. You must be on alert… Adeleke, don’t sleep till they announce you as winner.”

Context During the Poll

The election was marked by public concerns over the conduct of INEC, including delays in uploading results to the iReV portal. The issue drew commentary from public figures, including musician Davido, who called on the commission to ensure transparency.

The APC has not issued an official response to the cleric’s statements. Supporters of Primate Ayodele cited the outcome as evidence of his credibility, while critics had earlier dismissed the predictions as speculative.

INEC has yet to release a full breakdown of results by local government area.