Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has raised concerns over what it described as a deliberate attempt to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration by weaponising ethnic identity and inciting national disunity.
In a statement signed by National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the group responded to recent claims by Dr. Sandra Duru, who alleged that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan privately admitted to a plot aimed at discrediting Tinubu’s government by labelling it a “Yoruba administration” and rallying opposition to block his re-election.
Afenifere strongly condemned the alleged conspiracy, calling it an “act of tribal opportunism and sedition.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is not a Yoruba government. It is a Nigerian government,” the statement read. “To weaponise ethnicity as a political tool is not only dishonest but dangerously divisive.”
Group Defends Democratic Process
The group asserted that Tinubu’s presidency emerged from a democratic consensus, not tribal entitlement, and urged all citizens to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Drawing a parallel, Afenifere noted that President Muhammadu Buhari, a Fulani, did not face organised ethnic opposition during his re-election bids, and cautioned against applying double standards to Tinubu’s administration.
The group commended Dr. Duru for what it called her “uncommon courage” in exposing the alleged plan, urging Nigerians to reject tribal politics and focus on nation-building.
Support for Senate President Akpabio
Afenifere also decried what it described as an orchestrated “campaign of calumny” against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who it said is being unfairly attacked for his collaboration with the Tinubu administration.
“Politics has its place,” the group said, “but it must never trespass the boundaries of human decency.”
Condemns Internationalisation of Domestic Issues
The statement went further to criticise efforts to export domestic political narratives to the global stage, calling such moves self-serving and reckless.
“Nigeria is not a personal or tribal empire. Our nation will not bow to tribal blackmail, bend to invented narratives, or break under the weight of conspiracy,” Afenifere declared.
Final Appeal for Unity
The group concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant, reject tribal manipulation, and stand united in defence of democracy and constitutional order.