The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dayo Israel, has accused elements within the opposition, particularly supporters of the Obidient Movement, of orchestrating attacks and intimidation against supporters of President Bola Tinubu. Israel alleged that many Nigerians, particularly people in the creative industry, had become afraid to publicly identify with Tinubu or express support for his administration because of the attacks and harassment they could face.
According to Israel, the attacks have gone beyond ordinary political disagreements, with individuals allegedly facing threats, insults, and physical confrontations simply because they identify with the ruling party or defend the President's policies. He claimed that comedians, entertainers, creative professionals, ordinary supporters, and public officials had become targets of online attacks and intimidation whenever they publicly expressed support for the President.
Israel referenced a confrontation involving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, in London on Thursday, November 12. Amupitan had addressed an event at Chatham House on preparations for the 2027 general elections before reportedly facing a group of Nigerian protesters who surrounded his vehicle, shouted insults, and demanded his resignation.
The APC youth leader also cited comments by a UK-based Nigerian lawyer who reportedly described the protesters as a small group of between 10 and 15 people and alleged that some had been paid to stage the demonstration. He further referenced former Senator Shehu Sani's condemnation of the incident, noting that the harassment of an electoral umpire amounted to an attack on democratic institutions.
Turning to events in Abuja, Israel referred to the reported disruption that followed Tinubu's attendance at Juma'at prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki, on Friday, November 13. He alleged that suspected opposition-sponsored thugs attempted to attack security operatives attached to the President's convoy, with videos circulating online showing youths throwing stones and chanting rejection slogans.
Israel warned that any further attacks targeting the President or his convoy would not be tolerated, insisting that political disagreements must be addressed within the confines of the law. He also defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu against what he described as attacks on her person, highlighting her activities through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which has mobilized and deployed more than N100 billion in three years to support women entrepreneurs, widows of fallen security personnel, schoolgirls, disaster victims, and vulnerable families across the country.
Israel insisted that Nigerians who supported Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election retained the constitutional right to support him again in 2027 without facing intimidation or harassment. His comments come amid growing political tension and reports of attacks and disruptions at political gatherings across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- The APC youth leader accused opposition supporters of intimidating and attacking President Tinubu's supporters.
- Many Nigerians, particularly in the creative industry, have become afraid to publicly identify with Tinubu due to the attacks and harassment.
- Israel warned that further attacks on the President or his convoy would not be tolerated and insisted that political disagreements must be addressed within the law.
