***Says “Yoruba Government” Tag Is Dangerous, Tinubu’s 8 Years Non-Negotiable
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has lashed out at suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her alleged description of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a “Yoruba Government,” calling the remarks divisive, dangerous, and a calculated attempt to stir ethnic tension.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere described the allegations made public through an exposé by Dr. Sandra Duru as shocking and deeply troubling. According to Duru, Akpoti-Uduaghan was caught on record revealing a covert plan to brand Tinubu’s administration as a Yoruba agenda and use the label to mobilize resistance and sabotage his second term bid.
“This reckless tribal framing is not just an attack on the President but an assault on Nigeria’s unity,” Afenifere stated.
The group argued that Tinubu was elected through a democratic process by Nigerians from all regions, and not through any form of ethnic entitlement. It further condemned what it described as a campaign of falsehood targeted at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom Natasha reportedly accused of supporting Tinubu for selfish gain.
“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 added.
Afenifere insisted that no one branded former President Buhari’s government as a “Fulani Government” throughout his eight years in office, and therefore, Tinubu must be accorded the same respect and space to serve his constitutionally mandated tenure.
“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.”
The group praised Dr. Sandra Duru for her boldness in exposing what it called “a dangerous and undemocratic plot,” and warned political actors to desist from stoking ethnic animosity under any guise.
“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 group concluded.