The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has firmly rejected the claim circulating in some quarters that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is operating a Yoruba-dominated administration, asserting instead that the current government is a “Nigerian government” elected through a democratic process, not tribal allegiance.
The group made its position known in a statement released on Wednesday by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, where it also condemned what it described as a clandestine conspiracy to sabotage the Tinubu administration. Afenifere referenced an exposé by Dr Sandra Duru which alleged an underground plot by certain elements who have sought to stereotype the Tinubu administration as one dominated by Yoruba interests.
According to the group, such a narrative is not only dangerous but a deliberate act of sabotage meant to destabilise the country and delegitimise a constitutionally elected leader.
“This is no light accusation. It is a revelation that demands reflection from patriots and repudiation from all who still hold Nigeria dear. Let it be said, plainly and without ambiguity, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is not a Yoruba government. It is a Nigerian government. He did not ascend to the presidency by tribal inheritance but by democratic choice — the result of votes cast in faith by Nigerians of every tongue, creed, and religion,” the statement read.
Afenifere warned against tribalising the Tinubu presidency, stating that it is not only false but a calculated move to sow division among Nigerians.
“To label this administration as ‘Yoruba’ and weaponize that label as grounds for sabotage is not only dishonest, but a vile act of tribal opportunism and sedition. We reject it utterly,” the group declared.
Drawing parallels to previous administrations, Afenifere pointed out that President Muhammadu Buhari, who served two terms between 2015 and 2023, was never subjected to similar ethnic profiling despite his Fulani background.
“We remind the nation: When President Muhammadu Buhari held office for eight years, no one branded his leadership as a ‘Fulani government.’ No tribal coalition was formed to deny him a second term on the grounds of ethnicity. He was allowed to serve out his mandate in full — and rightly so,” the group noted.
Afenifere stressed the importance of fairness, constitutionalism, and political continuity in Nigeria’s democracy, saying those principles must also apply to the current administration.
“The same principle of equity and continuity must apply now. Let no one demand justice only when it suits them, but deny it when it is owed to others. President Tinubu shall serve his full term of eight years, by the will of the good people of this country and under the watch of the Constitution. To suggest otherwise is to play Russian roulette with our national destiny,” the statement added.
The group also praised Dr Sandra Duru for her role in exposing the alleged conspiracy and for speaking boldly against the attempts to undermine the Tinubu presidency.
“Afenifere salutes Dr. Sandra Duru for her uncommon courage — for speaking truth not only to power, but to conspiracy. Her voice is a reminder that integrity still walks among us, and that silence, in the face of wickedness, is not an option for those who love this country,” the statement said.
Afenifere further warned that Nigeria must not succumb to tribal manipulation or disinformation driven by self-interest, insisting that the country’s unity and democratic gains must be protected.
“Nigeria is not a personal or tribal empire. Our nation will not bow to tribal blackmail. It will not bend to invented narratives. And it will not break under the weight of conspiracy. Let all patriots rally to the defence of truth, justice, and constitutional order. We have come too far to be dragged backward by petty ambition disguised as activism. Let us reject the agents of sabotage — not because they threaten one man, but because they threaten all of us,” Afenifere added.
