Yoruba Union Accuses Tinubu Of Prioritising Power Grab Over Ending Killings, Kidnappings, Moves To Silence Opposition

Ikeja, Lagos State– The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to address worsening insecurity across Nigeria while focusing on consolidating power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the union alleged that the President is unconcerned and unmoved by the persistent killings, kidnappings, and general insecurity ravaging the country, claiming instead that his priority is to grab power by force by silencing opposition voices.

The statement was issued by the Convener of the group, Olusola Badero, and signed by the organisation’s Home Director, Princess Balogun.

According to the group, the current security situation in Nigeria has deteriorated to alarming levels, describing it as nothing to write home about, while accusing the President of failing to demonstrate empathy and leadership.

“Tinubu does not care about Nigerians,” the statement read. “He went to Plateau State to condole with families of victims who were killed, yet he did not spend up to ten minutes, citing lack of electricity. While families were mourning, the President appeared to mock their grief by using the absence of electricity as an excuse, despite his government’s failure to deliver the 24-hour power supply he promised during the 2023 campaign.”

The group further criticised the President’s travel priorities, alleging that he has avoided prolonged visits to states severely affected by insecurity, including Plateau, Kwara, Benue, Kaduna, and Borno.

“The same Tinubu who cannot stay in Plateau, Kwara, Benue, Kaduna, or Borno to encourage security operatives at the war front, and to assure families of victims and those whose loved ones are in captivity that they will be rescued, would rather travel to Lagos and Bayelsa to commission projects at the detriment of suffering Nigerians,” the group stated.

The Yoruba Union also stated that instead of implementing decisive measures to tackle insecurity, the administration is focused on manipulating political structures to secure future electoral victories.

“Rather than respond with urgency to killings and kidnappings, Tinubu is busy finding ways to manipulate the system by installing his cronies in sensitive positions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to serve his political ambitions, while the country sits on a keg of gunpowder,” Yoruba Union said.

The group accused the government of deliberately deepening economic hardship and poverty among Nigerians for political advantage.

“Tinubu has weaponised poverty and hardship in such a way that when people see a cup of rice, they feel they have seen the whole world,” the group alleged.

Reaffirming its stance on Yoruba identity and values, the organisation declared that it would resist any attempt to undermine the legacy of its ancestors.

“We are not bastards of Yorubaland. We are people of integrity, honour, and pride. We will not allow anyone to destroy the legacies laid down by our forefathers over centuries,” Ìgbìnmó MájékóbájéIlé-Yorùbá said .

The group painted a reality picture of life in rural communities, noting that many Nigerians have been forced to abandon their ancestral homes due to persistent attacks.

“Our people can no longer go to their farms. They have fled their ancestral lands because of incessant killings and kidnappings. Many have been forced to sell their properties to pay ransom, while countless households have been destroyed as insecurity continues to escalate across the country.”

It further accused the administration of attempting to suppress dissent and silence citizens.

“All Tinubu wants is to silence the people so they cannot speak about the issues affecting their lives,” the group said.

Meanwhile, the Yoruba Union called on the international community to take punitive measures against the Nigerian government.

“We call on the international community to suspend all forms of aid to the Nigerian government and impose visa bans on government officials until they secure the country and ensure the safe return of all abducted victims,” they group added.