A leading Yoruba socio-development organisation, Majeobaje Community Development Initiative, has thrown its full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, urging Nigerians to close ranks and support his administration as the country battles deep security threats and far-reaching economic reforms.
Speaking during a press briefing in Ibadan on Monday, the group’s representative, Chief Akintayo Akin-Deko, said Nigeria was standing at a critical crossroads and needed collective willpower to defeat forces threatening its peace and stability.
He traced the nation’s worsening insecurity back to 2014, noting that by 2019, the crisis had escalated into widespread killings involving IPOB gunmen, bandits, and terror groups.
Akin-Deko warned that Nigeria’s security situation has already drawn global attention, including claims of jihadist infiltration and alleged foreign threats of intervention. According to him, these challenges demand that citizens “stand firm and wholeheartedly embrace the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Tinubu’s Leadership & Economic Reforms
Despite pre-election doubts in 2023, the group praised Tinubu for what it described as bold, technocratic leadership, tackling structural problems that past administrations avoided.
Akin-Deko highlighted the President’s background as a trained accountant, multinational executive, and “problem-solver” who understands governance, investment, and long-term planning.
He emphasised that Majeobaje — made up of farmers, professionals, business leaders, and academics — has long pushed for good governance and regional development, and that Tinubu’s policies align with these priorities.
However, he warned that “detractors of the administration are pushing back hard.”
On the economy, the group defended the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, saying the painful decisions prevented national bankruptcy and boosted government revenue. He cited the jump in FAAC allocations from ₦655 billion in April 2023 to ₦2.1 trillion in September 2025 as evidence of progress.
He noted that this financial boost now gives governors and local governments more resources than ever to deliver real development. The ₦6.9 trillion allocated for constituency projects in 2025, he said, is the “most targeted funding Nigerians have ever had.” But he stressed that citizens must hold their leaders accountable for how the money is used.
Akin-Deko also celebrated the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), signed into law in March 2025 with a ₦674 billion takeoff fund, calling it a major win for regional growth and deeper federalism.
Security: Past Failures, Present Actions
The group criticised previous administrations for allowing insecurity to grow unchecked. Akin-Deko referenced the 2021 arrest of Iskilu Wakili and the 2022 massacre in Owo as examples of earlier failures.
He also condemned instances where security agents were accused of colluding with criminals, and faulted the former Inspector-General of Police for banning shotguns for licensed hunters while armed herders roamed freely.
In contrast, he said Tinubu’s government has stepped up:
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Defence budget increased from ₦1.55 trillion (2023) to ₦6.57 trillion (2025)
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More personnel recruited across security agencies
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Restructured and better-coordinated security institutions
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Revamped National Forest Guards, boosting intelligence and response capabilities
Response to Donald Trump’s Claims
Reacting to comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria, the group dismissed the claims as “prejudicial and exaggerated.”
However, Akin-Deko noted that such statements should push Nigerians to reflect, strengthen unity, and pursue reconciliation rooted in justice.
He called for uncompromising force against terrorists and their sponsors, including those named in the UAE report.
Concerns Over Youth Radicalisation
The group raised alarm over rising youth radicalisation — from almajiri children to Niger Delta militants and emerging street gangs in the South-West. It urged Nigeria’s allies to increase support in the fight against insurgency, stressing that national stability depends heavily on addressing this growing threat.
Rejects Coups, Supports Tinubu for 2027
Majeobaje strongly rejected any talk of coups or foreign intervention, stating that the opposition lacks the leadership Nigeria needs at this decisive moment.
It expressed confidence that Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 will allow him secure a two-thirds legislative majority and deepen long-delayed constitutional reforms.
“We therefore urge Nigerians to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and, come 2027, support his second-term bid,” Akin-Deko declared.
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