The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization Afenifere has strongly rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu is running a “Yoruba government,” describing such insinuations as false and dangerous. In a statement issued by its Organizing Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the group warned against attempts to sabotage the administration under the guise of ethnic bias.
Afenifere’s rebuttal came in response to allegations made by Dr. Sandra Duru, who accused certain groups of conspiring to undermine Tinubu’s presidency by framing it as ethnically exclusive. The organization dismissed these claims as “tribal opportunism and sedition,” emphasizing that Tinubu was elected through a democratic process involving Nigerians from all regions.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is not a Yoruba government. It is a Nigerian government,” Afenifere declared. “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 group drew parallels to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, noting that his administration was never labeled a “Fulani government” despite his ethnic background. Afenifere argued that Tinubu deserves the same respect and opportunity to complete his term without ethnic-based opposition.
“When President 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,” the statement read. “The same principle of equity and continuity must apply now.”
Afenifere also commended Dr. Duru for exposing what it described as a conspiracy against the government, calling her actions a display of patriotism. The organization urged Nigerians to resist divisive narratives and uphold constitutional order.
“Nigeria is not a personal or tribal empire. Our nation will not bow to tribal blackmail,” the statement asserted. “Let all patriots rally to the defense of truth, justice, and constitutional order.”
The group’s strong stance comes amid growing political tensions, with some opposition figures allegedly mobilizing against Tinubu’s potential second-term bid. Afenifere warned that such moves threaten national stability and called for unity in supporting the administration’s mandate.
“We have come too far to be dragged backward by petty ambition disguised as activism,” the statement concluded. “Let us reject the agents of sabotage—not because they threaten one man, but because they threaten all of us.”
The declaration reinforces Afenifere’s position as a key voice in Nigeria’s political discourse, advocating for national cohesion while defending the interests of the Yoruba people within a united Nigeria.
