Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has stated that he would prefer President Bola Tinubu to Peter Obi if both men contest in the 2027 presidential election.
Adeyanju explained that his preference is based on his convictions about democracy, tolerance, and political conduct.
“Why would somebody like me support the APC? Support the APC for what? If the opposition presents Peter Obi, I will vote Tinubu,” Adeyanju declared.
He cited the alleged intolerance of Obi’s supporters to criticism and their tendency to intimidate dissenting voices during the last election cycle.
According to Adeyanju, “Anybody who does not support their candidate is an enemy of Nigeria. Anybody that does not support the candidate has been paid or compromised.”
He emphasized that his activism is about defending democracy and free expression, noting that he has faced arrests and prosecutions under different governments.
Adeyanju explained that he initially found Obi’s presidential bid exciting, especially as it offered the South-East a shot at producing Nigeria’s president. However, his enthusiasm faded when some supporters became intolerant of opposing opinions.
He cited the online backlash against actress Joke Silva for supporting Tinubu as an example of “political extremism.”
Adeyanju stressed that rejecting Obi’s candidacy does not equate to an endorsement of the APC, but rather a stance against political extremism. “Because we cannot have a situation in our country where political extremism becomes the order of the day,” he said.
