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Tinubu’s Power Relies On Fear, Not Loyalty – Omokri
In a series of tweets posted on Wednesday, political activist Reno Omokri launched a scathing attack on prominent Nigerian politician Bola Ahmed Tinubu, labeling him a “gangster” and a “known drug lord.”
Omokri asserted that Tinubu’s control over his political empire is based on fear and manipulation, rather than genuine loyalty.
Drawing attention to Tinubu’s alleged Achilles’ heel, Omokri argued that the former governor of Lagos State wields power through intimidation, using tactics reminiscent of Satan’s control over his dominion.
“He has his Achilles heel. And Tinubu’s sword of Damocles is the fear that he uses, like satan, to control his kingdom.” He said.
Omokri believes that not all members of Tinubu’s patronage network support him out of genuine admiration.
He stated that President Muhammadu Buhari and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu were singled out as individuals who would prefer to break free from Tinubu’s influence.
According to him, many members of the Southwest caucus within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly yearn to escape Tinubu’s overbearing yoke.
Omokri contended that what prevents rebellion against Tinubu is his ability to subject dissenters to what he referred to as the “Ambode treatment,” alluding to the fate of former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who faced significant challenges during his bid for re-election under Tinubu’s political machinery.
To counter the grip of fear exerted by Tinubu, Omokri proposed that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) act as an antidote and offer hope to the judiciary and Tinubu’s subordinates.
He called for a united front among opposition parties, including the Labour Party, to strategically take control of the upcoming National Assembly.
Omokri expressed confidence in the feasibility of this goal, drawing attention to the successful revenge of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso against his rival, Umar Ganduje, and suggesting that Kwankwaso no longer requires Tinubu’s support, potentially prioritizing the national interest.
Drawing parallels with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s actions against Fethullah Gülen, Omokri urged the opposition to emulate Erdogan’s success in neutralizing his political opponents and employ similar tactics to undermine Tinubu’s influence.
“That is where the PDP comes in. We must be the antidote to his fear. We must provide hope to the judiciary, and his minions that it is possible to clip Tinubu’s wings.
“And the way to do this is by working with the Labour Party and all other opposition parties to seize control of who becomes what in the upcoming National Assembly. We can do it.
“Kwankwaso has got his coveted revenge against Ganduje in Kano and no longer needs Tinubu. He should be able to put l national interest above any other now. Erdogan did it to Fethullah Gülen, and we can do it to Tinubu
He emphasized that a united opposition, poised to seize control of the National Assembly, would bolster the judiciary’s confidence to challenge Tinubu’s authority, making them the true last hope for the Nigerian people.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has defended its position following the controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board over the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Moroccan football authority said its appeal was strictly aimed at ensuring the proper application of competition rules, and not to question the sporting merit or performance of any team involved in the final.
The federation emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the stability of African football competitions, noting that its actions were guided by respect for established regulations.
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“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” the statement read.
FRMF also praised all participating nations in the tournament, describing the 2025 AFCON as a significant milestone in the growth and development of football across the continent.
However, the body revealed that a more detailed position would be made public after a scheduled meeting of its governing organs.
The statement is expected to further clarify Morocco’s stance and outline any possible legal or administrative steps moving forward.
The CAF Appeal Board’s decision has continued to generate widespread reactions among football stakeholders, with growing calls for clearer regulations, improved transparency, and consistency in the administration of African football.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have disclosed details of their recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu, explaining that the engagement focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The clarification came amid speculation surrounding the meeting, which took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after leaders of several opposition parties attended an Iftar dinner hosted by the president earlier in the week.
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Speaking during a gathering hosted in Abuja by the SDP’s former presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo on Friday, the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said the meeting with Tinubu followed an official invitation from the Presidency and lasted about an hour.
According to Gombe, the discussion centred on the need to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral laws and restore public confidence in the country’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
He explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for party leaders to remind the president of the importance of conducting transparent, free, and credible elections.
Gombe noted that democracy can only thrive when governments listen to the concerns of citizens and ensure electoral processes that guarantee fairness and accountability.
The SDP chairman also expressed concern over growing voter apathy, pointing to the low turnout recorded in the recent Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the Abuja Municipal Area Council election witnessed only about seven per cent voter turnout, which he described as a clear sign that many Nigerians are losing confidence in the electoral system.
Gombe urged the government and members of the National Assembly to take urgent steps to review electoral laws and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of IPAC, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, said political parties used the meeting to raise concerns about aspects of proposed electoral reforms, particularly issues related to indirect primaries and the mandatory electronic transmission of results.
Dantalle explained that the parties appealed to the president to use his influence to encourage legislative review where necessary, noting that reforms should strengthen, rather than complicate, the democratic process.
He expressed optimism that Tinubu would consider the concerns raised and support necessary amendments that would improve the electoral system.
The IPAC chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly adhere to electoral guidelines as preparations for the next election cycle begin.
Earlier in his remarks, Adebayo cautioned political actors against turning the 2027 general elections into a do-or-die contest, stressing that the primary goal of democracy should be the progress and stability of Nigeria rather than personal political victories.
He urged leaders across political parties to encourage citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and transparently.
President Bola Tinubu and Mr. Taiwo Oyedele during his nomination on Wednesday.
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