Afenifere Warns Tinubu Against Democratic Backsliding Amid Rising Insecurity, Hardship
Pan-Yoruba group says Nigeria’s democracy is under threat as poverty, unemployment, killings and kidnappings worsen under the current administration.
Afenifere has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening insecurity, economic hardship and alleged weakening of democratic institutions nearly three years into office. The socio-political organisation urged the Federal Government to protect democracy, allow credible opposition voices and ensure free and fair elections.
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and economy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning against what it described as a gradual derailment of democratic governance in the country.
In a statement jointly signed by the group’s Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, Afenifere said the administration’s third year in office has been marked by rising poverty, unemployment, insecurity and weakening democratic institutions.
The statement, titled “Tinubu’s 3-Year Report: Summum Malum or Summum Bonum,” criticised the Federal Government’s handling of security challenges, alleging that killings, kidnappings and violent attacks have continued across several parts of the country.
According to the group, recent incidents involving attacks on schools, communities and rural areas highlight the need for urgent reforms in the nation’s security architecture, including the creation of state and community policing structures.
Afenifere also accused the administration of undermining democratic federalism and weakening opposition voices, labour unions and other democratic institutions.
On the economy, the organisation argued that current economic policies have increased hardship for many Nigerians, leading to higher poverty levels and worsening living conditions.
The group expressed concern over rising debt levels, unemployment, homelessness and the overall decline in citizens’ welfare, maintaining that ordinary Nigerians continue to bear the burden of economic reforms.
Afenifere further criticised what it described as excessive government spending and alleged political interference in public institutions, warning that such developments could threaten the country’s democratic future.
The organisation urged President Tinubu’s administration to change direction by promoting inclusive governance, protecting democratic freedoms and ensuring a credible electoral process ahead of future elections.
It also called on the Federal Government to allow opposition parties and dissenting voices to operate freely in order to strengthen democracy and national unity.
