Umar Ardo Slams Primate Ayodele Over “Divisive” Remarks on Fulani Appointments

From Umar Dankano, Yola

A former governorship candidate and historian, Dr. Umar Ardo, has condemned Primate Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church over comments warning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against appointing Nigerians of Fulani extraction into key government positions.

In a strongly worded statement on Friday, Ardo described Ayodele’s remarks as reckless, false, and a threat to national unity. He said silence in the face of such utterances would amount to condoning “falsehood, bigotry and dangerous incitement.”

The statement stressed that Nigeria’s history does not support Ayodele’s claims, noting that Fulani men and women have served the country with loyalty and sacrifice. Ardo cited leaders such as Sir Ahmadu Bello and General Murtala Mohammed, among others, as examples of Fulani who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

According to him, branding an ethnic group as untrustworthy amounts to “fulbephobia” and is both hypocritical and unchristian. He argued that if it is wrong to stereotype the Yoruba, Igbo or any other ethnic group, then it is equally wrong to target the Fulani.

Ardo maintained that Ayodele’s comments were not prophetic but divisive, coming at a time when Nigeria is struggling with issues of ethnicity and mistrust. He stressed that appointments into government should be based on merit, competence, and loyalty to the state, not ethnic prejudice.

The historian urged Nigerians, especially religious and thought leaders, to reject and condemn such rhetoric. He further called on Primate Ayodele to tender an unreserved apology to the Fulani and the nation, describing him as “a disgrace to the cassock he wears.”