A statement attributed to self-acclaimed activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has stirred significant reactions in Nigeria’s political space after he reportedly declared strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his potential second term in office.
According to the widely circulated claim,
Igboho was quoted as saying that he and his supporters do not want opposition figures such as Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar to take power. The statement further suggested that even after President Tinubu completes a possible eight-year tenure, some supporters would still “beg him to continue.”
The remark, which quickly spread across social media platforms and online news pages, has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many questioning its authenticity and the political implications behind it.
Sunday Igboho rose to national prominence in 2021 as a vocal advocate for Yoruba self-determination and regional security. His activism, particularly in the South-West, focused on confronting issues such as farmer–herder conflicts and what he described as threats to Yoruba communities. Because of this history, his alleged endorsement of a sitting president has surprised some observers who previously viewed him primarily as a regional activist rather than a figure aligned with mainstream national politics.
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Political analysts note that if the statement is confirmed, it may signal a shift in the activist’s public posture. Some interpret the development as a strategic alignment with the current administration, while others believe it could simply reflect personal political preferences rather than a broader ideological change.
Supporters of President Tinubu have welcomed the reported endorsement, arguing that it shows confidence in the administration’s leadership and policies. They claim the president deserves the opportunity to complete his agenda for economic reforms, security improvements, and national development.
However, critics have reacted differently. Many opposition supporters argue that Nigeria’s democracy thrives on competition and diverse political voices. For them, statements that appear to dismiss alternative candidates or discourage political plurality raise concerns about the tone of political discourse ahead of future elections.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, remain influential figures in Nigerian politics. Both maintain strong support bases across different regions of the country. As a result, any public commentary suggesting that they should not be considered in future elections naturally attracts attention and debate.
Beyond partisan reactions, some Nigerians have urged caution, emphasizing the need to verify the accuracy of the statement before drawing conclusions. In recent years, misinformation and misquoted remarks have frequently circulated online, sometimes misrepresenting public figures or inflaming political tensions.