Yoruba socio-cultural group Afenifere has accused President Bola Tinubu of steering Nigeria toward a fascist regime reminiscent of the era of former military leader, General Sanni Abacha.
The group also announced plans to form a political group to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.
Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, made these remarks during an interview on a national television program in Lagos on Wednesday morning.
Faloye was highly critical of Tinubu’s administration, calling it a “colossal failure” and accusing it of targeting perceived opponents.
“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,” Faloye said.
He expressed concern about the economy, adding that outspoken critics of the administration have faced persecution.
“The economy has completely collapsed under this present administration. People who have been outspoken against the administration are being arrested and detained,” he added.
Faloye accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests.
“We have criminalization of protest under Tinubu where peaceful protesters are threatened, harassed, attacked, arrested, and detained unjustly. What do you call all these other than fascism?”
Faloye also referenced comments from the international community and renowned Nigerian literary icon, Professor Wole Soyinka, who recently criticized the government’s handling of protests.
“Even the international community has accused Tinubu of criminalizing peaceful protests in a democratic dispensation and condemned the trend. This is unacceptable. This is not democracy anymore. We are sliding into fascism.”
Faloye further criticized the detention of labor union leaders and journalists.
“A Journalist called Soyinka was arrested and detained, President of the 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,” he said.
In response to growing dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration, Afenifere is preparing to shift into partisan politics. Faloye revealed the group’s plans to form a political party that will be rooted in the democratic principles and ideology of late Yoruba leader, Pa Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
“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 and clamour for constitutional reform, restructuring of the country,” Faloye said.
Addressing rumors of internal discord within Afenifere, Faloye dismissed any claims of factionalism.
“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’s administration because of stomach infrastructure,” he stated.
Despite previous internal disagreements, Faloye affirmed that Afenifere remains united under its current leadership.
“Afenifere is still intact as one entity. Chief Ayo Adebanjo is still the subsisting head of Afenifere after the resignation of Pa Reuben Fasanroti, who remains our leader. There is no contention about this,” he concluded.
Afenifere’s criticism of Tinubu has been ongoing, particularly during the 2023 general elections, when the group was divided over support for the incumbent president. Now, the group is positioning itself as a political force for the 2027 elections, with a focus on promoting social welfare, economic reforms, and constitutional restructuring.