politics

Afenifere Issues Stern Warning on Tinubu Democracy Future

Published

5 months ago

May 28, 2026

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.

Also read: Afenifere Raises Alarm Over Rising South-West Insecurity

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.

Also read: Afenifere Diaspora Criticises APC Over Insecurity

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.

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politics

2027: Shettima Says Peter Obi Has Nothing to Offer Nigerians

Published

17 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Shettima Peter Obi criticism intensifies as the Vice-President defends petrol subsidy removal and challenges the opposition leader’s economic arguments.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has criticised Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, claiming that the former Anambra State governor has little to offer Nigerians beyond citing economic statistics.

Also read: Super Falcons Captain Ajibade Begins Recovery After Surgery

Shettima made the remarks at an event in Abuja on Monday, October 26, 2026, where he urged members of Nigeria’s economic community to support the Federal Government’s policies and defended its decision to remove the petrol subsidy.

“I respect Peter Obi for having the courage to say he’s not going to restore the petrol subsidy, but beyond spouting some statistics, Mr Peter Obi has absolutely nothing to offer,” the Vice-President said.

“He was surviving on various statistics. So, I call on you, the crème de la crème of the Nigerian economic community, to support us,” he added.

Shettima also compared petrol prices in Nigeria with those in neighbouring countries, arguing that the figures illustrated the consequences of the country’s previous fuel pricing arrangements.

“A few years ago, Nigeria was consuming around 67 million litres of fuel per day,” he said.

He put petrol prices at approximately ₦1,148.36 per litre in Niger Republic, ₦1,729.29 in Benin Republic and ₦1,945.50 in Cameroon, compared with ₦1,390 in Nigeria.

“The comparison is wide. Nigeria was Christmas for other African countries,” he said.

The figures were presented by Shettima in defence of the government’s position on petrol pricing.

However, fuel prices can vary by country, location and date, and the comparison would require independently verified, contemporaneous data to establish whether the figures are directly comparable.

The Vice-President’s comments come amid continued political debate over the removal of the petrol subsidy and its impact on the Nigerian economy, with opposition politicians questioning the government’s management of rising living costs.

Obi, a former Anambra State governor, has frequently used economic data and public spending figures when criticising government policies.

He has also advocated fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in public administration.

Shettima’s latest remarks echo comments he made during the 2023 election campaign, when he described Obi as having “absolutely nothing to offer apart from dubious statistics”.

At the time, Shettima was the All Progressives Congress vice-presidential candidate, while Obi contested the presidency under the Labour Party.

The renewed criticism comes as political parties and their candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections, with economic management and the cost of living likely to remain central issues in public debate.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration announced the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, shortly after he assumed office.

The policy was followed by sharp increases in petrol prices and transport costs, contributing to wider concerns about household purchasing power.

The Federal Government has defended the decision as a measure intended to reduce the fiscal burden of subsidy payments and redirect public resources.

Critics, however, have called for stronger support for households and more effective measures to cushion the effects of higher living costs.

Also read: Super Falcons Captain Ajibade Begins Recovery After Surgery

Shettima urged economic stakeholders to support the government’s approach, while his comments on Obi added to the political exchanges between the ruling APC and opposition figures ahead of the next presidential election.