By Our Correspondent
National News – The diaspora arm of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has criticised Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over worsening insecurity and alleged attempts to weaken the country’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general election.
The group made the claims in a statement issued on March 20, 2026, in the United States and signed by its Chairman, Sikiru Fadairo, and Secretary, David Adenekan.
The group said the criticism was necessary because escalating attacks across parts of Nigeria threaten national unity and democratic stability.
According to Afenifere Diaspora USA, the government must urgently address the deteriorating security situation to prevent further violence and displacement.
In explaining what prompted the warning, the organisation cited recent militant attacks in the North-East allegedly linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The group claimed that in March 2026, coordinated assaults overran several military formations in Borno State, including communities such as Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa and Mainok.
It alleged that about 65 soldiers were killed and roughly 300 people abducted during the attacks.
On why the situation raises alarm, Afenifere Diaspora USA said continued violence could escalate into deeper national conflict if not swiftly contained.
The group also argued that the protection of citizens is a constitutional duty, referencing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which states that the security and welfare of the people must remain the primary purpose of government.
Addressing how the government has responded, the organisation questioned what it described as efforts to influence international narratives about the crisis.
It alleged that about $9m in public funds was spent on lobbyists in Washington, DC, to counter claims of genocide or ethnic cleansing in Nigeria.
Beyond security, the group also criticised reported proposals to remove the requirement for a secondary school certificate from Nigeria’s electoral law.
It argued that weakening educational standards for candidates could undermine democratic leadership and governance.
Afenifere Diaspora USA further called for mandatory electronic transmission of election results to ensure transparency.
According to the group, credible elections in 2027 will be crucial to strengthening democracy and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s political system.
