Afenifere Raises Alarm Over Rising Fascist Tendencies in Tinubu’s Government

Yoruba socio-cultural group warns of authoritarian practices under President Tinubu’s administration, comparing it to Abacha’s regime.

In a bold statement, the Yoruba socio-cultural organization Afenifere has expressed deep concerns about what it describes as the Tinubu government sliding into fascism, citing increasing authoritarian practices that mirror the dark days of General Sani Abacha. According to the group, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, critics of the government and peaceful protesters have faced unprecedented harassment, unjust arrests, and threats.

Justice Faloye, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, highlighted these concerns on Wednesday, pointing out that since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, his administration has shown little tolerance for opposition. Faloye went further to accuse the administration of criminalizing protests, a trend he says is dangerous in a democracy. He pointed to the recent treatment of labor leaders and other critics, which suggests that the Tinubu government is sliding into fascism.

Faloye also revealed that Afenifere is gearing up to challenge the current government through the formation of a political movement ahead of the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that the Tinubu government’s slide into fascism has stifled the economy and trampled on citizens’ rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.

“A growing number of peaceful protesters have been unjustly detained,” Faloye stated, expressing Afenifere’s fears that this crackdown is a sign of rising fascism in Nigeria. He added that this disturbing trend has not gone unnoticed by the international community, which has begun criticizing the government’s heavy-handed approach.

Afenifere urged President Tinubu to heed the warnings of prominent figures like Professor Wole Soyinka, who has also raised concerns about the dangerous shift towards fascist tendencies in the country.

By drawing parallels between Tinubu’s government and the authoritarian regime of General Abacha, Afenifere hopes to raise awareness and mobilize Nigerians to safeguard the country’s democratic values.