The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere has accused President Bola Tinubu of leading Nigeria towards fascism, reminiscent of the days of former military ruler Gen. Sani Abacha.
This accusation comes as Afenifere reveals plans to form a new political party aimed at contesting in the 2027 general elections.
Justice Faloye, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, made these remarks on Wednesday during an interview on a national television program in Lagos.
Faloye criticized Tinubu’s administration, describing it as a “colossal failure” that has been targeting and harassing perceived opponents.
He said, “We are concerned about how this administration is going. Not only is the NLC President being harassed, but we have hundreds of people in jail for treason for partaking in hunger protests.”
According to Faloye, the administration has seen a severe collapse of the economy, and those who speak out against the government face arrest and detention.
“We have criminalisation of protest under Tinubu where peaceful protesters are threatened, harassed, attacked, arrested, and detained unjustly. What do you call all these other than fascism?” he asked.
The international community has also criticized Tinubu’s government for its handling of peaceful protests, adding weight to Afenifere’s concerns.
Faloye urged President Tinubu to heed the warnings of Professor Wole Soyinka, who has spoken out against the administration’s actions.
“We need to ensure Nigeria does not slide into a fascist dictatorship, which the Tinubu administration is steering us towards,” Faloye added.
He condemned the arrest of journalists, the NLC President Joe Ajaero, and peaceful protesters, comparing the current situation to the repressive days of Gen. Sani Abacha’s regime.
“A Journalist called Soyinka was arrested and detained, President Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, arrested and detained, protesters arrested and detained. We are gradually moving into Gen Abacha days if we are not careful,” Faloye warned.
The Afenifere spokesperson called for the immediate release of those detained under charges of treason, labeling the current economic and political climate as a form of treason against the people.
“The present administration is insensitive to the plights of Nigerians. Economic hardship is biting harder. No hope in sight,” Faloye said.
Afenifere has long been critical of Tinubu’s leadership, even before his presidency. The group has been vocal about the perceived failures of his governance, both in Lagos and nationally.
“For the last 20 years, Afenifere has criticized the way Tinubu has been ruling because we are a social welfarist group. We believe in life abundantly, even in Lagos he didn’t do it,” Faloye said.
Lagos, where Tinubu served as governor, is cited as an example of his failed policies, according to Afenifere.
Faloye also spoke about Afenifere’s plans to create a new political party. The organization is considering forming a coalition or starting a new party to contest in the 2027 general election.
“Afenifere is in the process of creating a political party that will practice the real democratic principles, ideology, and philosophy of late Pa Chief Obafemi Awolowo,” Faloye said.
The new party would focus on constitutional reform and restructuring the country, among other issues.
On the topic of internal divisions within Afenifere, Faloye dismissed rumors of factionalism, insisting that the organization remains unified.
“We don’t have any faction in Afenifere organization. What we have are a few disgruntled elements who are often hoodwinked by pecuniary gains to support Tinubu administration because of stomach infrastructure,” he said.
Despite these alleged internal divisions, Faloye asserted that Afenifere is intact, with Chief Ayo Adebanjo as the current head following the resignation of Pa Reuben Fasanroti.
“There is no contention about this,” Faloye added.