Afenifere condemns labeling of Tinubu administration as ‘Yoruba government’

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has strongly condemned the characterization of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a “Yoruba Government” by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a statement released by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere described the remark as a divisive and unfounded attempt to undermine the federal character of President Tinubu’s leadership.

The group stressed that Nigeria’s governance structure is inclusive and should not be reduced to ethnic or regional narratives.

Afenifere also commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his patriotic stance and unwavering support for President Tinubu, applauding his efforts in promoting unity and national stability.

According to the group,” the administration of President Tinubu, is a “Nigerian Government. The recent expose by Dr. Sandra Duru, detailing her conversation with the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, particularly her shocking admission of a clandestine plot to sabotage the administration of President Tinubu, which the conspirators have stereotyped as a “Yoruba Government,” and thereby stir the embers of division to deny him a second term.This is no light accusation.”

The group in the statement stated further, “we condemn in the strongest terms the campaign of calumny and false allegations against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio — a man whose only crime, it appears, is that he dares to cooperate and collaborate with the President in the spirit of statesmanship and progress.

The group noted that “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 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. 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.

“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 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.

“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.