KEY POINTS

• Afenifere criticizes Tinubu’s government for authoritarian tactics
• Group plans to form a political party for the 2027 election
• Arrests of peaceful protesters and critics draw widespread concern

The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has taken a strong stand against President Bola Tinubu’s administration charging it with autocracy. In a television interview on Wednesday, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye compared Tinubu’s government to Sanni Abacha’s, evidenced by recent actions which are portrayals of fascism.

Faloye highlighted the government’s action against protesters, and citizens, including arresting and detaining labor union leaders and journalists.  “This administration is harassing the Nigerian Labour Congress President, detaining people unjustly for protesting, and criminalizing peaceful protests,” Faloye said. He also accused Tinubu’s government of silencing the opposition and arresting critics. He called these actions a huge blow to the country’s democracy.

Accusations of a collapsed economy and repression

According to a report by Vanguard, Faloye also expressed his sadness over the economic state of the country. He blamed the harsh economic conditions on Tinubu’s poor leadership. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to silencing critics instead of creating initiatives and developing strategies that can make things better.

Faloye firmly stated that some of the government’s actions remind him of the authoritarian period. He said “We are gradually moving into Gen. Abacha days if we are not careful.”

He also accused the Tinubu administration of human rights abuses, arguing that the continued arrest of critics is an act of oppressing them.“What we are seeing is a complete collapse of the economy and the criminalization of dissent,” he added he further stated. International observers have also expressed concerns about the use of force in dealing with peaceful protests.

Afenifere’s plans for political change in 2027

In response to the situation, Afenifere has announced its intention to take political action ahead of the 2027 general election. Faloye disclosed that the group is looking forward to establishing a new political party or coalition that aligns with the principle of third-generation leader and icon of Western Nigeria, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The party will promote social justice, reform the constitution and restructure the country, with the goal of creating a new Nigeria.