2027: Afenifere Endorses Tinubu, Urges Peaceful Campaigns
…As Group warns politicians against violence, thuggery, character assassination
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, urging Nigerians to support his re-election bid.
The organisation announced the position in a communiqué issued at the end of its caucus meeting held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Akure residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in Ondo State.
The meeting, which was attended by representatives from Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Kwara, Kogi, Osun and Ondo states, also had in attendance former Secretary-General of Afenifere, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa; former Ondo State Governor, Dr Segun Mimiko; and former Osun State Deputy Governor, Senator Iyiola Omisore, among others.
According to the communiqué signed by Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the meeting deliberated on issues concerning Yoruba interests, the state of the nation, security, restructuring and the forthcoming general elections, as well as some economic measures of the Tinubu administration.
Afenifere said its endorsement of Tinubu followed its assessment of the Federal Government’s activities and the prevailing political situation, stating that it believed the President was committed to restructuring Nigeria, improving economic prosperity and inclusivity, deepening democracy and tackling insecurity and criminality.
The organisation also raised concern over alleged threats by bandits and terrorists to disrupt the forthcoming general elections, as reportedly disclosed by the Department of State Services during engagements with some religious groups in Osun State.
Afenifere called on the Federal Government and security agencies to decisively eliminate threats capable of disrupting the elections, while urging politicians and other political actors to ensure peace before, during and after the polls.
On security, the group condemned the recent attack on a military base along the Igbeti-Igboho Road in Oyo State, as well as other terrorist attacks in the Middle Belt and North-East. It called for an immediate and aggressive security operation in the affected areas and surrounding forests to flush out criminal elements.
The organisation further called for the profiling of alleged collaborators of bandits and sponsors of illegal mining, citing concerns over claims that some communities were being displaced by bandits before mining activities allegedly commenced in the affected areas.
On farmer-herder clashes, Afenifere urged the Federal Government to support state governments that had enacted anti-open grazing laws, particularly to enable them enforce the laws without further delays or impediments.
The organisation cited reported clashes in border communities and other parts of Yorubaland, including areas of Kwara, Ondo, Osun and Ogun states, as well as Ibarapa, Egbeda and Oke-Ogun in Oyo State.
Afenifere also reiterated its commitment to a free, fair and credible electoral process, urging political parties and candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid violence, thuggery and character assassination.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of the Yoruba language and disclosed plans to establish a Yoruba Language Renaissance Trust Fund as part of efforts to promote the wider use of the language in verbal and literary communication.
The meeting also congratulated Fasoranti on his 100th birthday, celebrated on May 11, 2026, and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and other dignitaries who joined the centenary celebrations.
Afenifere also congratulated the Chairman of its Executive Committee, Oba Olu Falae, on his 88th birthday celebrated on September 21, 2026, and prayed for many more years of good health and joy for both leaders.
