The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has expressed concern over a statement made by Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, in which he advised President Bola Tinubu against appointing individuals from the Fulani ethnic group to sensitive government positions. Dr. Umar Ardo, the convener of the LND, described the statement as divisive and reckless, amounting to ethnic profiling.
Ardo, a former governorship candidate in Adamawa State, responded to a video in which Ayodele claimed that appointing Fulani people to key positions would lead to “betrayal, shock, and pain” for the President. The LND convener argued that such statements are not supported by history, citing notable Fulani leaders who have served Nigeria with distinction, including Sir Ahmadu Bello and General Murtala Muhammad.
According to Ardo, branding the Fulani people as untrustworthy is “shameful, hypocritical, and unchristian.” He emphasized that betrayal in leadership cannot be attributed to a single ethnic group, highlighting that Fulani heritage is rooted in honor and service. Ardo warned that religious leaders have a responsibility to promote unity and reconciliation, rather than inciting divisions.
The LND convener stressed that appointments to public offices should be based on merit, competence, and loyalty to the nation, rather than ethnic suspicion. He described Ayodele’s statement as a “poisonous threat to national unity” at a time when Nigeria is grappling with ethnic and religious mistrust. Ardo’s comments come as Nigeria continues to navigate complex social and political issues, with many calling for greater unity and inclusivity.
The controversy surrounding Ayodele’s statement highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria in promoting ethnic and religious harmony. As the country works to address these issues, leaders from various backgrounds are being encouraged to promote reconciliation and understanding. The LND’s response to Ayodele’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible leadership and the need to avoid statements that may be perceived as divisive or inflammatory.
