Afenifere Tinubu democracy warning calls for free 2027 elections, citing insecurity, hardship and alleged democratic decline in Nigeria

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging his administration to guarantee free, fair and credible elections in 2027 amid what it described as a troubling decline in Nigeria’s democratic standards.

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The group, led by Oba Olaitan Oladipo and its National Publicity Secretary Justice Faloye, expressed deep concern over what it termed growing intimidation of opposition voices, labour groups and civil society organisations, warning that such trends could push the country towards authoritarian governance.

The statement, released ahead of the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, said the state of democracy in Nigeria had reached a critical crossroads, raising fears about the future of political inclusion and electoral credibility.

Afenifere argued that the Afenifere Tinubu democracy warning reflects broader anxieties over the independence of electoral and judicial institutions, which it said had not been sufficiently strengthened despite ongoing reforms.

The organisation warned that any further weakening of electoral integrity could heighten political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections and undermine national stability.

It called on the Federal Government to urgently restore confidence in the democratic process by ensuring credible elections and protecting opposition participation.

In a strongly worded passage, the group accused the government of fostering conditions that could lead to one-party dominance, insisting that democratic space must remain open and competitive.

“Afenifere hereby implores the Tinubu administration to change course towards inclusivity and credible democratic practice, and to ensure a free and fair election in 2027,” the statement read.

The group also raised concerns over worsening insecurity, citing incidents of kidnapping and violence in parts of Kwara, Oyo and other states, and arguing that such attacks reflect deeper structural weaknesses in the country’s security architecture.

It further criticised the absence of effective state and community policing, describing it as a missed opportunity to decentralise security management and protect vulnerable communities.

According to the organisation, insecurity has expanded from isolated rural incidents into a nationwide crisis affecting schools, villages and urban centres alike.

Afenifere also delivered a sharp critique of the economy, describing current reforms as worsening poverty, unemployment and inequality across the country.

It claimed that millions of Nigerians were experiencing severe hardship, including food insecurity and lack of basic shelter, despite official assurances of economic progress.

The group further alleged rising public debt and high governance costs, arguing that public resources were not being efficiently deployed to address urgent social needs.

It also raised concerns over corruption and accountability, warning that perceived lack of transparency in governance risked eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

The organisation cautioned that politicisation of anti-corruption processes could further weaken institutional credibility and damage Nigeria’s democratic image.

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Afenifere concluded by urging the government to prioritise democratic renewal, social protection and inclusive governance as essential foundations for national stability and long-term development.