2027: Afenifere faction decries declining democracy, demands credible elections

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, led by Oba Olaitan Oladipo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027, expressing concern over what it described as the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s democracy under the current administration.

This was contained in a statement by Oladipo and the National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, on Thursday, ahead of the third anniversary of Tinubu’s presidency.

Opposition parties have consistently raised the alarm over a calculated attempt by the Tinubu government to suppress their voices and foist one-party rule on the country.

In the statement, Afenifere expressed concern over what it described as growing intimidation of opposition voices, labour groups and civil society organisations.

It warned that such trends could undermine Nigeria’s democratic gains and push the country towards authoritarian tendencies.

The group also raised concerns about the independence of electoral and judicial institutions, arguing that reforms in recent years had not strengthened but rather weakened the credibility of the electoral system.

It said electoral integrity was essential for national stability and warned that any further decline could deepen political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Afenifere urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to restore confidence in the democratic process by guaranteeing free, fair and credible elections in 2027.

It also called for greater political inclusion, respect for opposition voices and protection of democratic institutions.

The group warned against what it described as a drift towards one-party dominance, urging the government to allow space for credible opposition and civic participation.

The organisation said such steps were necessary to prevent further erosion of democratic values and to safeguard Nigeria’s political stability.

The group said it was “fearful of the current course of democracy” in the country and commiserated with Nigerians over what it described as three years of “maladministration.”

The group claimed that Nigeria’s democracy was at a critical crossroads, warning that recent developments in governance, security and the economy pointed to “deepening public disillusionment and institutional strain.”

Afenifere held that the last three years had been characterised by rising poverty, unemployment, insecurity, mass killings and kidnappings, as well as what it called the “weakening of Nigeria’s federal structure and the subjugation of democratic institutions.”

The group slammed the Tinubu government for failing to live up to its statutory responsibility to guarantee the welfare and security of citizens.

He said, “Across the world, citizens are motivated by their governments either by Summum Malum—the fear of ultimate evil such as violent death, poverty and tyranny—or Summum Bonum—the promise of ultimate good such as homes, prosperity and security,” it stated. Afenifere argued that the expectations that accompanied the ruling party’s “Renewed Hope” slogan had not been met, adding that Nigerians were instead confronted with worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

The group said insecurity remained one of the most alarming challenges facing the country, citing attacks on communities and educational institutions across several states.

It specifically referenced recent cases of kidnappings and killings in parts of Kwara, Oyo and other states, warning that the situation reflected what it described as the “culpable negligence” of the government in restructuring the security architecture.

“The ongoing kidnapping of students and teachers and gruesome murders in Kwara, Oyo and other states is a painful reminder of the failure to restructure Nigeria’s security system, particularly the inability to create state and community policing,” the statement said.

Afenifere also alleged that Nigerians were beginning to question whether there were deeper issues behind the persistence of insecurity, making reference to historical political claims and suggesting that insecurity had shifted across regions over different administrations. It warned that what was previously considered a rural or isolated security problem had now become nationwide, affecting all regions of the country.

“The nightmare of ultimate evil has become a reality. Teachers are being beheaded, children are being kidnapped, and villages are being ransacked and displaced,” the group said.

On the economy, Afenifere criticised the administration’s economic policies, describing them as neoliberal in nature and arguing that they had worsened poverty and inequality.

It claimed that the poverty rate had risen significantly and that millions of Nigerians were facing severe hardship, including food insecurity, unemployment and lack of shelter.

Despite what it described as government attempts to present positive economic indicators, the group said many citizens were experiencing worsening living conditions.

“Two out of three Nigerians are facing dire circumstances of lack of food and secure shelter,” it said, adding that Nigeria ranked among countries with high extreme poverty and low life expectancy.

The group also criticised rising public debt and the cost of governance, arguing that resources were being diverted to non-essential expenditures instead of addressing urgent development needs.

It further argued that economic reforms without adequate social protection mechanisms had led to increased hardship for vulnerable citizens. Afenifere also raised concerns about corruption and accountability in governance, alleging misuse of public funds and lack of transparency in public administration.

It claimed that while citizens were being urged to make sacrifices due to economic reforms, governance costs and alleged corruption at various levels of government were increasing. The group also criticised what it described as the politicisation of accountability processes, alleging that individuals facing corruption charges were still being positioned for political roles.

According to the statement, such developments undermined public trust and weakened democratic institutions.