The Afenifere Diaspora USA has criticised the All Progressives Congress over what it described as worsening insecurity in the country and alleged attempts to weaken Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general election.
The group, in a statement made available to The PUNCH, dated March 20, 2026, warned that the continued escalation of violent attacks across parts of the country could lead to deeper national crises if urgent measures were not taken.
The statement, jointly signed by the Chairman, Prof Sikiru Fadairo, and the Secretary, David Adenekan, stressed that national security remained a constitutional obligation of the government, noting that failure to adequately address the situation could threaten the unity of the country.
The group said, “The current escalation of insecurity across the country is a dangerous trend that may plunge the nation into a sectarian war if not properly managed and nipped in the bud.”
It emphasised that the protection of lives and property remained a core responsibility of the government, as clearly stated in Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The section provides that “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
It further referenced provisions contained in Chapter IV, Sections 33 to 46 of the Constitution, which guarantee fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and privacy.
Afenifere Diaspora USA also condemned the activities of armed groups operating in parts of the country, alleging that recent attacks in the North-East had resulted in significant casualties and displacement of residents.
The group said, “The recent violent attacks by terrorist groups degrade the status of Nigeria as a sovereign nation. It was widely reported that in March 2026, militants linked to the Islamic State West African Province launched coordinated attacks in the North-East, overrunning several military formations in Borno State, including communities such as Delwa, Goniri, Kukawa and Mainok.”
It added, “An intolerably high figure of 65 military officers were reportedly killed in the attacks, while about 300 persons were said to have been kidnapped. Are acts of killing people in thousands and sacking those fleeing from their villages not tantamount to genocide or ethnic cleansing?”
The group also questioned what it described as attempts to influence international narratives regarding the security situation in Nigeria, alleging that public funds were used to engage foreign lobbyists.
It stated, “Is the current administration not always quick to change the narrative that the killings in Nigeria are merely ‘normal’ incidents that occur in any society, including the unjustifiable expenditure of a whopping sum of nine million dollars from taxpayers’ funds to hire lobbyists in Washington DC to promote the position that there is no genocide or ethnic cleansing in Nigeria?”
On electoral matters, the group criticised the reported removal of the requirement for a candidate to possess a secondary school certificate as part of the eligibility criteria in the Electoral Act, describing the move as detrimental to democratic development.
The statement read, “The decision by members of the National Assembly to expunge from our electoral law the requirement to possess a secondary school certificate is seen as a political charade capable of undermining democratic values and lowering leadership standards in the country.”
Citing Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution, the group noted that one of the requirements to contest for the office of the President is that a candidate must be educated to at least secondary school certificate level or its equivalent.
“In a digital age driven by information technology, Nigeria must not slide backwards into the abyss of ignorance where leadership competence is compromised. Leadership capacity and skilled knowledge are critical in managing the affairs of a modern state,” the statement added.
The group also called for mandatory electronic transmission of election results, insisting that credible elections remained vital to strengthening democracy and ensuring good governance.
It said, “Every lover of democracy, including the international community, must support a system that guarantees mandatory electronic transmission of election results in real time without optional conditions.
“A free and fair general election in 2027 is sacrosanct and must not be negotiated if Nigeria is to deepen its hard-won democracy and ensure accountable leadership.”
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