The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum and the South-West Governors’ Forum to take a firm stand in defending Nigeria’s national image and democratic institutions, especially in the face of rising external criticism of the current administration.

In a statement released on Monday by the group’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere expressed concern over what it described as deliberate attempts by certain political actors to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s government and damage Nigeria’s reputation internationally.

“Afenifere registers its profound disquiet at the increasingly calculated manoeuvres by certain political elements intent on imperilling the cohesion of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and discrediting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both within and beyond our national borders,” the statement read.

The group accused some individuals of using foreign platforms to propagate narratives that portray Nigeria negatively under the pretext of democratic advocacy or reform. Afenifere stated that such actions were crossing the line from legitimate opposition into harmful attacks on the country’s global standing.

“It is deeply lamentable that some have chosen international platforms to propagate narratives that cast Nigeria in an unflattering light, ostensibly under the guise of advocacy or reform,” the group noted. “This growing proclivity for externalising domestic political grievances does little to advance our collective cause. Rather, it undermines national pride and compromises Nigeria’s standing within the international community. To besmirch one’s own country on foreign soil is neither sagacious nor patriotic.”

Restating their dedication to Nigeria’s unity and independence, Afenifere stressed that the well-being of the nation should take precedence over individual aspirations. The group, identifying as a non-partisan yet patriotic body, declared its continued role as a guardian of Nigeria’s national ideals.

The group affirmed its strong belief in the country’s unity, advancement, and respect as a sovereign nation, asserting therefore that it is entirely unacceptable for personal goals and self-interest to overshadow the importance of their collective identity and the nation’s reputation.

The organisation commended Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his public support of the President and the nation. They stated that silence in the face of deliberate defamation would imply involvement. Consequently, they expressed their appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for speaking out in defense of the President and the country.

Afenifere called on political leaders, particularly at the sub-national level, to take an active role in defending Nigeria’s democratic structures and national dignity.

“We specifically call upon members of the Progressive Governors Forum and the South-West Governors Forum to rise to the occasion and speak with a unified and resolute voice. Let no holder of public office allow transient political calculations to eclipse the primacy of national interest,” the statement said.

It warned that future generations would judge harshly those who fail to uphold Nigeria’s integrity at critical moments.