Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has delivered a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that even centuries of Tinubu’s leadership would fail to alleviate Nigeria’s economic and social crises. In an interview with DAILY POST, Adeyanju addressed pressing national issues, including the arraignment of EndSARS protesters, escalating poverty, and what he describes as a systematic neglect of the poor.
Adeyanju argued that Nigeria, under Tinubu’s government, has become hostile to its own citizens, particularly those economically disadvantaged. “This country is now a place where the poor are taxed heavily while the wealthy remain untouched. This nation is anti-poor, structured in ways that are wholly unfavorable to the average Nigerian,” he lamented.
Widespread Hardship and Youth Protests
Adeyanju expressed outrage over the treatment of minors who were recently arrested and detained for protesting harsh living conditions. He described Nigeria as “a concentration camp,” condemning the state’s harsh response to peaceful protests, where young Nigerians are met with treasonable felony charges while violent bandits face little accountability.
“The government detained these minors for 93 days without proper food or access to their families. Yet, in the same country, police chiefs are meeting with bandits in photo ops,” Adeyanju remarked, highlighting the contradictions he sees in Tinubu’s approach to governance.
No Hope for Relief under Tinubu’s Policies
Adeyanju did not mince words in criticizing Tinubu’s economic policies, citing rising fuel prices and inflation as consequences of his administration’s decisions. “Even Tinubu knows he’s hurting the economy. If he had 300 years to fix this nation, the hardship wouldn’t end,” he stated. The activist argued that Tinubu’s close ties with big corporations and wealthy elites like Dangote leave ordinary Nigerians at a severe disadvantage.
Adeyanju further criticized the government’s failure to reform the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing INEC of bias. He suggested that allowing multiple political parties to nominate representatives to INEC could promote fairer elections and discourage corruption.
The Call for Opposition Unity
Looking toward the 2027 elections, Adeyanju urged all political stakeholders to unite against the APC and Tinubu’s administration, citing the need for a strong and credible opposition. “If we don’t come together now, APC will continue to oppress the people,” he warned, encouraging citizens to push for change.
