The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has expressed its support for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term in office. This endorsement comes after a thorough review of the present administration's activities at the federal level and the current political landscape. Afenifere's National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, released a statement in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Wednesday, highlighting the organisation's stance.
Afenifere's endorsement of Tinubu is based on its strong belief that the President is committed to restructuring Nigeria to enhance economic prosperity and inclusivity, deepen democracy, tackle insecurity and criminality, and restore hope in Nigeria. The organisation has urged every voter to support Tinubu's re-election bid. Furthermore, Afenifere has called for a free, fair, and credible electoral process in 2027, emphasizing the need for a peaceful voting environment.
The organisation has expressed concern over recent treasonable threats by bandits and terrorists to disrupt the forthcoming general elections. Afenifere has charged the Federal Government and all security agencies to decisively eliminate these threats and guarantee a peaceful voting environment. The organisation has also urged politicians to allow peace to reign before, during, and after the elections.
Afenifere has condemned the recent horrific terror attack on a military base on Igbeti-Igboho road in Oyo and other parts of the country. The organisation has called for an immediate, aggressive security sweep of the axis to permanently flush out criminal elements hiding in the borderlands and surrounding forests. Additionally, Afenifere has requested that searchlights be beamed on alleged collaborators of bandits and sponsors of illegal mining.
The organisation has also addressed the issue of farmers/herders clashes, soliciting the support of the Federal Government for state governments that have passed anti-open grazing laws. Afenifere has explained that this call is based on reports of unrelenting farmer-herder clashes in remote border communities and fringes of some Yorubaland. The organisation believes that this will enable state governments to enforce these laws without further delay or encumbrances.
Furthermore, Afenifere has reiterated its position on ensuring that the Yoruba language is spoken widely and that communication in the language, verbal and literary, is enhanced. The organisation is rolling out some programmes, including the Yoruba Language Renaissance Trust Fund, to achieve this goal. The meeting also expressed appreciation for the hospitality provided by Afenifere's leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.
The meeting congratulated Chief Fasoranti on his 100th birthday, which came up on May 11, 2026, and wished him many more years in good health and joy. Chief Fasoranti also expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, state governors, and many other eminent Nigerians and institutions who celebrated with him on the occasion. The meeting was attended by representatives from all the states in Yorubaland.
Key points
- Afenifere endorses President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
- The organisation seeks a free, fair, and credible election in 2027.
- Afenifere calls for an immediate, aggressive security sweep to flush out criminal elements.
