The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s alleged tactics of political fractionalization, accusing him of creating fake splinter groups to manipulate Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a press release signed by Afenifere’s Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, the group stated that Tinubu’s long-standing strategy of dividing key political and socio-cultural organizations is a deliberate ploy to silence opposition and deceive the masses.
A History of Political Manipulation
Afenifere revealed that Tinubu’s alleged manipulation began over two decades ago when he first attempted to factionalize the group after being empowered to govern Lagos State. According to the statement, this pattern has now extended to national politics, with Tinubu allegedly engineering divisions in major political parties and sociopolitical organizations.
“The PDP has become a shell of itself due to the unholy alliance between Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The Labour Party has also faced internal strife reportedly sponsored by Tinubu,” the statement read.
The group further accused the President of orchestrating the creation of a fake National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) leadership, with allegations that his son physically assaulted genuine student leaders. Afenifere also referenced reports of fake bishops used to divide Christian voices during the last elections.
Attack on Afenifere’s Legacy
Afenifere particularly condemned recent attempts to undermine its leadership, including the alleged resurrection of a retired leader to form a parallel group motivated by “prebendalist motives”—offering jobs and contracts to members and their families. The group dismissed these factions as temporary distractions, insisting that the authentic Afenifere remains committed to truth, justice, and welfarism.
“These fake Afenifere groups only last a few election cycles. No matter how many splinter groups Tinubu creates, Afenifere will remain relevant as long as Nigerians uphold principles of equity and social justice,” the statement asserted.
Call for Economic and Structural Reforms
Rather than engaging in political destabilization, Afenifere urged Tinubu to focus on alleviating poverty through massive public works, including addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit and improving railway infrastructure to reduce agricultural wastage.
The group criticized the 2025 budget’s allocation for 20,000 homes annually as grossly inadequate, given Nigeria’s homelessness crisis, which requires over 20 million houses. They also called for genuine implementation of the “Nigeria First” policy, demanding that government officials stop using foreign luxury vehicles and instead patronize locally made products.
Warning Against Centralization of Power
Afenifere accused Tinubu of undermining Nigeria’s federal structure by weakening local governments and consolidating power, warning that such actions threaten democracy.
“Those who stifle peaceful opposition leave themselves open to violent change,” the statement cautioned, urging the President to prioritize restructuring and true federalism over political manipulation.
The group vowed to continue advocating for social democracy and welfarism, rejecting neoliberal policies that have plunged millions into poverty.