By Ameh Gabriel
As Nigeria inches closer to another election cycle, political tensions are rising, yet the opposition remains fragmented and ineffective. While citizens endure economic hardships exacerbated by controversial policies, opposition figures appear disengaged, offering little resistance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In this interview with THE WHISTLER reporters Isuma Mark and Justina Simon, lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju delivers a scathing critique of the Tinubu administration and the country’s opposition leaders. He warns that unless Nigerians and the opposition become proactive, Tinubu’s path to a second term may remain unchallenged.
“Tinubu’s Government Has Failed Woefully”
According to Adeyanju, the Tinubu-led administration has failed across all sectors. He cites inflation, insecurity, and unemployment as indicators of policy collapse. “If we were to grade this government, it would not even pass,” he said. He attributes the collapse in the economy to the hasty removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira without adequate buffers in place.
“This is a consumption economy. Removing subsidies and floating the currency simultaneously has crippled the naira and worsened inflation,” Adeyanju explained.
“Opposition Leaders Are Only Active on Twitter”
Adeyanju accuses key opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi of being passive. “Opposition isn’t tweeting or issuing press statements; it’s about hitting the streets, challenging bad policies, and building a grassroots movement. But they’re missing in action,” he said.
He likens the current political climate to a creeping one-party state, citing how state governors have defected to the ruling party while opposition parties scramble for relevance.
“Insecurity Still Rampant; Tinubu Reacting, Not Leading”
While acknowledging that Tinubu inherited some of the security challenges, Adeyanju insists that blaming predecessors is not leadership. “This government is reactive, not proactive. We need an offensive strategy, not this ‘wait-and-rescue’ approach.”
He also references allegations of internal sabotage within the security architecture, suggesting some officials may be complicit in the country’s growing insecurity.
“Tinubu Must Be Held Accountable”
He insists the President must own up to his responsibilities. “The buck stops at the President’s table. He commands the military and police. He must lead the fight against insurgents from the front.”
Adeyanju advocates for bold action: “If I were president, I’d personally lead the troops to confront these terrorists.”
“2027 Campaign Already in Motion But Where’s the Opposition?”
On talk of Tinubu’s reelection bid, Adeyanju says it’s no surprise. “Politicians are always campaigning. But where is the opposition’s strategy? Are they waiting for civil society to do the heavy lifting again?”
He compares Nigeria’s passive opposition to more aggressive political contenders in other countries, calling for boots-on-the-ground activism and genuine coalition building if there’s any hope to unseat the ruling party in 2027.
“Youth Must Take Charge Don’t Wait for Government”
In a controversial remark, Adeyanju advises Nigerian youths to stop waiting for government intervention. “Government won’t save you. Build yourself. Build your future. If you wait for Nigeria to work for you, you’ll wait forever.”
Source: THE WHISTLER
Nigeria is a joke