The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá (Yoruba Union), has called on Nigerians to vote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu out of office in the 2027 general elections, alleging that his administration has failed to tackle insecurity and worsening economic hardship.
The group made the call in a statement issued on Sunday. The statement was signed by its Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun.
According to the organisation, Nigeria is “bleeding” under the current administration, with millions of citizens struggling to survive amid rising living costs and persistent insecurity.
“Our people have become beggars under Tinubu’s watch while hundreds of innocent citizens remain in the hands of Fulani terrorists waiting for ransom payments. The cost of living has become unbearable, yet the President does not want to listen to Nigerians,” the statement said.
The group urged Nigerians to reject Tinubu at the 2027 polls, insisting that his government has not addressed the country’s major challenges.
Yoruba Union also aligned itself with concerns recently raised by the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, who expressed worries over rising poverty and insecurity during a meeting with the President.
According to the group, rather than acknowledge those concerns, President Tinubu maintained that his administration’s policies were delivering positive results.
“The country is truly bleeding, but Tinubu neither wants to see the realities nor listen to the cries of Nigerians,” it stated.
The organisation cited the security situation in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, alleging that about 176 women and children abducted since February remain in captivity, while nearly 200 people have been killed.
It argued that the worsening economy has forced many Nigerians into criminal activities as they struggle to survive.
“Many people have resorted to different forms of criminality because of the economic situation in the country, yet Tinubu insists that the economy is doing fine,” the statement added.
The group further claimed that the President and his family are insulated from the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians because of the privileges associated with public office.
“Since Tinubu and his family enjoy taxpayers’ money, travel abroad, eat well and have access to every luxury they desire, they will never believe that millions of Nigerians are wallowing in poverty,” it said.
It added that many Nigerians have died because they could not afford essential medicines, while hunger continues to worsen across the country.
Yoruba Union also accused the administration of failing to curb insecurity, alleging that kidnappings, killings and attacks have continued despite government assurances.
“Military generals are being killed and kidnapped, students are abducted and murdered, yet the government behaves as though nothing has happened,” the group stated.
It maintained that the country’s security situation alone should persuade Nigerians to vote against the President in 2027.
The organisation also expressed concern over Nigerians in the diaspora who returned home to invest after government appeals, saying many now regret their decision.
According to the group, some investors secured loans abroad to establish businesses in Nigeria but were later confronted with multiple taxes, intimidation and the destruction of their investments.
The Yoruba Union further accused security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, of being used to suppress dissent instead of protecting citizens.
“They are being used to arrest, detain and jail innocent Nigerians whose only offence is demanding good governance and accountability,” the statement alleged.
Describing Nigeria as a “banana republic” under the current administration, the group called on citizens to unite behind credible leaders who can restore accountability, revive the economy and rebuild the country’s global reputation.
