Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has condemned the alleged description of President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a “Yoruba Government” by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a dangerous and divisive ploy to ignite ethnic tensions.
In a statement signed by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the group reacted to revelations made by Dr. Sandra Duru, who alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan was recorded plotting to label Tinubu’s presidency as an ethnic agenda, with the aim of mobilising opposition and sabotaging his potential re-election.
“This reckless tribal framing is not just an attack on the President but an assault on Nigeria’s unity,” Afenifere declared.
The group insisted that President Tinubu was democratically elected by Nigerians across all regions and not by ethnic fiat, and warned against attempts to delegitimise his government through tribal narratives.
Afenifere also took exception to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged attack on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing her of falsely claiming that Akpabio’s loyalty to Tinubu was for selfish reasons.
“Akpabio’s only offense is his loyalty to national stability and democratic cooperation. To vilify him for standing with the President is unjust and dishonest,” the statement read.
Citing the precedent of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, the group questioned why Tinubu should now face ethnic labelling when Buhari’s government was never officially tagged as a “Fulani Government.”
“It is hypocritical to cry foul when power shifts and then weaponize ethnicity against it. Tinubu’s right to govern for eight years, if re-elected, is unquestionable.”
Commending Dr. Sandra Duru for exposing what it called “a dangerous and undemocratic plot,” Afenifere warned political figures against fanning the flames of ethnic discord.
“Afenifere stands for justice, equity, and national cohesion. We reject Natasha’s divisive politics. Nigeria must never be plunged into crisis by those who seek power through deceit and sabotage,” the statement concluded.
