In a communiqué issued after its National Caucus meeting held at the residence of its late former leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, Afenifere condemned both President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for undermining Nigeria’s democracy.  

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has strongly criticised the National Assembly for endorsing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, accusing lawmakers of violating the 1999 Constitution and failing to protect democratic rights.  

In a communiqué issued after its National Caucus meeting held at the residence of its late former leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, Afenifere condemned both President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for undermining Nigeria’s democracy.  

The communiqué, signed by Afenifere’s Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, described the lawmakers' actions as "an ill wind that blows the nation no good and spits on the faces of Nigerians." 

Afenifere argued that the National Assembly’s approval of the state of emergency without a clear two-thirds majority vote — as constitutionally required— was a blatant disregard for democratic principles. 

The group stated that the use of a voice vote to pass such a critical measure obscured compliance with constitutional provisions.  

“The 10th Assembly has again shown it lacks the courage to defend the democratic rights of Nigerians,” the communiqué read. “The constitution mandates a two-thirds majority for such decisions, yet the lawmakers bypassed this requirement, further eroding public trust.”  

The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation also called for the resignation of the National Assembly leadership, citing a “crisis of trust” and repeated violations of their oaths of office. 

It particularly criticised the Senate President for presiding over a vote of confidence in himself, describing it as an undemocratic move.  

“The recent vote of confidence on the Senate President by his colleagues is an admission of a crisis of integrity,” Afenifere stated. “The leadership must step aside to preserve the principles of separation of powers and democratic decency.”  

Comparing the situation to Hitler’s erosion of German democracy, Afenifere warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat due to excessive executive power and legislative complicity.  

“A new gambit has emerged—the crisis of Nigerian constitutionalism,” the group said. 

“Both the separation of powers and federalism are being usurped by an all-powerful executive. If unchecked, this could destroy our democracy.”  

Afenifere urged Nigerians and pro-democracy groups to resist what it termed an unconstitutional power grab and demanded a return to the rule of law.  

“We call on all people of goodwill to rise legitimately and save our democracy before it is too late,” the communiqué concluded.