Afenifere rejects Natasha’s claims, lauds Akpabio’s support for Tinubu

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has strongly criticised suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s description of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a “Yoruba Government,” while praising Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his steadfast support of the President.

In a statement issued by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, and shared with journalists, the group condemned what it called a covert attempt to undermine Tinubu’s government by labelling it along tribal lines. Afenifere reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration is a Nigerian government, not one rooted in ethnic sentiment.

The group referenced recent revelations by US-based activist Dr. Sandra Duru, who exposed alleged conversations involving Senator Natasha, accusing her of conspiring to destabilise the Tinubu administration by branding it as a “Yoruba Government” in an attempt to deny him a second term.

Afenifere also condemned the smear campaign against Senate President Akpabio, describing him as a patriot whose only misdeed was his statesmanlike cooperation with the President.

The statement continued, “Let it be clear, President Tinubu’s government is not a Yoruba Government. He was elected by Nigerians from all backgrounds through democratic processes. To weaponise ethnicity as a means of political sabotage is both dishonest and dangerous.”

Drawing comparisons, the group pointed out that during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office, no tribal conspiracy labelled his administration as a “Fulani Government” or sought to undermine his tenure on ethnic grounds, stressing that Tinubu is equally deserving of completing his eight-year mandate.

Afenifere commended Dr. Duru for her bravery in exposing the alleged plot, describing her as a voice of integrity and courage at a time when the nation needs it most.