The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has cautioned political actors towards violence and inflammatory rhetoric as preparations for the 2027 common elections collect tempo, stressing that democracy should not be undermined by thuggery or smear campaigns.
On the finish of its caucus assembly held on the Akure residence of its chief, Reuben Fasoranti, the group warned that rising political tensions, if left unchecked, might threaten nationwide stability. The communiqué, signed by its Nationwide Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, urged politicians to embrace peace and civility throughout campaigns.
Past electoral issues, Afenifere raised recent alarm over worsening insecurity, significantly within the South-West, describing the development as deeply troubling. It referred to as on regional governors to take decisive motion, together with strengthening native safety outfits and accelerating strikes towards the institution of state police.
The group emphasised the necessity for enhanced surveillance and stronger collaboration with neighbouring states resembling Kwara State, Kogi State, Edo State and Delta State, noting that felony parts typically exploit forest corridors throughout state boundaries.
It additionally advocated a multi-layered strategy to tackling insecurity, combining each kinetic and non-kinetic methods, whereas urging authorities to show inside collaborators aiding felony networks.
Afenifere described the spate of killings throughout Yorubaland and different components of Nigeria as unacceptable, warning of what it termed a “genocidal agenda” and calling for pressing, coordinated intervention by safety businesses.
Whereas acknowledging steps taken by the administration of Bola Tinubu, together with engagements with safety chiefs, the group insisted that extra have to be completed to revive public confidence and guarantee lasting peace.
On governance, the organisation reiterated its long-standing name for restructuring, describing it as important to attaining a extra steady and equitable federation.
In a lighter word, Afenifere introduced plans to mark the centenary of its chief, Fasoranti, on Could 11, 2026, with a number of distinguished Nigerians anticipated to attend.
Times Nigeria