Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has openly expressed his preference for President Bola Tinubu over Peter Obi should they face off in the 2027 presidential election. Adeyanju’s position is grounded in concerns about democratic values, political tolerance, and the nature of political conduct rather than mere party affiliation.
In an interview on Channels Television, Adeyanju made his stance clear:
“If the opposition presents Peter Obi, I will vote Tinubu. This is because we cannot have a situation where a man whose supporters cannot tolerate criticism, call people all sorts of names.” His statement highlights the growing unease regarding the behaviour of some political supporters, particularly those of Obi, during the previous election cycle.
He pointed out the divisive online attacks and intimidation faced by dissenting voices, particularly those who openly opposed Obi. Adeyanju shared his frustration, saying, “Anybody who does not support their candidate is an enemy of Nigeria. Anybody that does not support the candidate has been paid, has been compromised in supporting the government.” These remarks reflect his deep concern about the increasing polarisation in Nigerian politics, where differing opinions are sometimes met with aggression rather than respectful debate.
The activist also recounted troubling instances of harassment aimed at public figures, including the online vitriol directed at actress Joke Silva for voicing support for Tinubu. “Look at what they did to Joke Silva during the election… Nobody terrorised those people, but they terrorised that woman and others because she decided to support Tinubu. People have the right; I have the right,” he stated, underscoring the importance of free speech in a democratic society.
Adeyanju’s call for a “sanitised polity” underscores his belief in the necessity of maintaining democratic principles, tolerance, and the freedom to express political opinions without fear of reprisal. He argued that opposition politics in Nigeria could only thrive if political parties presented a united front, warning that a divided opposition would only benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although Adeyanju initially supported Obi’s candidacy, he acknowledged that the events of the previous election, including the political extremism he witnessed, diminished his enthusiasm. Reflecting on this, he said, “Some of the things I observed in the movement tempered my excitement,” alluding to his concerns about the direction the opposition took in its campaign.
Despite this, Adeyanju reiterated his commitment to issue-based politics, cautioning against the rise of political extremism. He stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to allow such extremism to define its political landscape, stating, “Nigerians are living witnesses to the things that happened during the build-up to the last election.”
