Afenifere Diaspora criticizes APC for neglecting safety issues and electoral worries

The Afenifere Diaspora USA has denounced the All Progressives Congress for its handling of the worsening insecurity in Nigeria and for purported attempts to undermine the country's electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general election, as stated in a statement dated March 20, 2026.

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This statement, co-signed by Prof Sikiru Fadairo, the Chairman, and David Adenekan, the Secretary, cautions that the escalating violence across the country could precipitate a deeper national crisis if left unaddressed, with the group asserting that national security is a fundamental obligation of the government.

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The group warns that the current surge in insecurity may plunge the nation into a sectarian war if not properly managed, emphasizing that the protection of lives and property is a core responsibility of the government, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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According to the group, this constitutional provision stipulates that "The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government," and also references Chapter IV, Sections 33 to 46, which guarantee fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and privacy.

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Afenifere Diaspora USA has also condemned the activities of armed groups operating in parts of the country, citing recent attacks in the North-East that resulted in significant casualties and displacement of residents, with the group stating that such attacks undermine Nigeria's sovereignty.

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The recent attacks by militants linked to the Islamic State West African Province in the North-East, which overran several military formations in Borno State, including communities such as Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa, and Mainok, have been particularly devastating, with 65 military officers reportedly killed and about 300 persons kidnapped.

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The group questions whether the killing of people in large numbers and the displacement of those fleeing from their villages do not constitute genocide or ethnic cleansing, highlighting the severity of the situation.

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Afenifere Diaspora USA has also criticized what it perceives as attempts to influence international narratives regarding the security situation in Nigeria, alleging that public funds have been used to engage foreign lobbyists, including the expenditure of $9 million to hire lobbyists in Washington DC.

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The group argues that the current administration's efforts to downplay the severity of the security situation in Nigeria, including the unjustifiable expenditure of taxpayers' funds to promote a narrative that there is no genocide or ethnic cleansing, are misguided.

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Regarding electoral matters, the group has criticized the reported removal of the requirement for a candidate to possess a secondary school certificate as part of the eligibility criteria in the Electoral Act, describing this move as detrimental to democratic development.

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The decision by members of the National Assembly to expunge this requirement from the electoral law is seen as a political charade that undermines democratic values and lowers leadership standards in the country, according to the group, which cites Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution.

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This constitutional provision stipulates that a candidate must be educated to at least secondary school certificate level or its equivalent to contest for the office of the President, with the group emphasizing that leadership capacity and skilled knowledge are critical in managing the affairs of a modern state.

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In a digital age driven by information technology, the group argues that Nigeria must not compromise its leadership competence, and that credible elections, including mandatory electronic transmission of election results, are vital to strengthening democracy and ensuring good governance.

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Afenifere Diaspora USA is calling for mandatory electronic transmission of election results, insisting that this is essential for a free and fair general election in 2027, which is critical to deepening Nigeria's democracy and ensuring accountable leadership.