Prominent pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has publicly defended President Bola Tinubu’s right to complete his constitutionally guaranteed two-term tenure, firmly rejecting accusations that his administration is an exclusively “Yoruba government.”
This declaration comes amid rising political undercurrents and tribal sentiments aimed at undermining Tinubu’s legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Friday, May 2, the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Abagun Kole Omololu, addressed growing criticism from political opponents accusing Tinubu’s administration of tribal bias. Omololu condemned the narrative, describing it as both divisive and dishonest.
“The idea that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is a ‘Yoruba government’ is both dishonest and divisive. It is a vile act of tribal opportunism and sedition, and we reject it,” Omololu stated.
He emphasised that Tinubu’s presidency was the result of a democratic process supported by Nigerians from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Drawing a comparison to the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, Omololu pointed out that no one referred to Buhari’s government as a “Fulani government” during his eight-year tenure.
The group warned against the dangerous trend of politicising ethnic identity, noting it could threaten the unity of the nation, especially as the country prepares for the next general election. Omololu described such attempts to discredit the presidency based on tribal lines as playing a “game of Russian roulette with our national destiny.”
In reaffirming its position, Afenifere called on Nigerians to prioritise unity and national interest over tribal sentiments.
“Let it be said, plainly and without ambiguity. President Bola Tinubu’s government is not a Yoruba government. It is a Nigerian government. And he shall serve his full term as mandated by the Constitution and the good people of this country,” Omololu concluded.
