American arm of Afenifere criticizes Tinubu on security issues

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Afenifere Diaspora USA has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what it described as worsening insecurity across Nigeria and controversies surrounding the new electoral law.

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In a statement signed by its Chairman, Sikiru Fadairo, and Secretary, David Adenekan, the group warned that the country’s current security situation could degenerate into sectarian conflict if not urgently addressed.

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The group said the rising wave of violence across the country reflected a failure to uphold the constitutional responsibility of government to protect lives and property.

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It expressed concern over recent attacks by terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West African Province, Ansaru and Lakurawa, as well as armed Fulani groups.

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Afenifere Diaspora USA pointed to reports of coordinated assaults this month in parts of Borno State, where several military formations were reportedly overrun and dozens of security personnel killed, with many civilians also abducted.

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The statement, dated March 20, 2026, and made available to Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, read partly, “Are acts of killing people in thousands and sacking of those fleeing from their villages not tantamount to genocide or ethnic cleansing?

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“Is the current administration of President Bola Tinubu not always quick to change the narrative that ‘the killings in Nigeria are the same ‘normal’ killings in any society,’ including the unjustifiable expenditure of a whopping sum of $9 million from taxpayers’ funds to hire lobbyists in Washington DC, USA, at the international scene to push the narrative that ‘there is no genocide or ethnic cleansing in Nigeria’?”

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On electoral matters, the group faulted the National Assembly over moves it said could weaken democratic standards, particularly alleged attempts to remove the requirement of a secondary school certificate as a qualification for presidential candidates.

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Citing Section 131 of the Constitution, Afenifere insisted that candidates for the office of president must possess at least a secondary school certificate or its equivalent, warning that any attempt to alter such provisions would undermine governance and leadership quality.

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“In a digital age driven by knowledge and competence, lowering educational requirements for leadership risks dragging the country backwards,” the group said.

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It further called for reforms to strengthen electoral transparency, including the mandatory electronic transmission of election results in real time without conditions.

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The group urged Nigerians and the international community to insist on credible processes ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that a free and fair poll remains essential to deepening democracy and ensuring good governance.

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