Afenifere Diaspora USA, a Yoruba socio-political organisation based in the United States, has issued a formal statement criticising the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government over its handling of national security and proposed changes to electoral regulations ahead of the 2027 elections.

The statement, signed by Chairman Sikiru Fadairo and Secretary David Adenekan, asserts that the frequency and intensity of violent incidents across multiple regions indicate a deterioration in internal security. The group contends that this trend increases the risk of broader instability and potential sectarian conflict.

The organisation argues that the Federal Government is not adequately fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens. It cites Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which identifies the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government, and refers to Chapter IV, which guarantees fundamental rights such as life, dignity, liberty and privacy.

Afenifere Diaspora USA highlights recent attacks attributed to militants associated with the Islamic State West African Province in the North-East, particularly in Borno State. It notes reports of military formations and communities being overrun, with significant numbers of soldiers reportedly killed and civilians abducted. The group characterises the scale of killings and displacement as approaching thresholds commonly associated with genocide or ethnic cleansing, thereby framing the situation as a severe challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The organisation further alleges that the administration prioritises reputation management over substantive security responses. It references reports that substantial public funds have been allocated to foreign lobbying efforts in Washington DC aimed at countering international claims of genocide or ethnic cleansing in Nigeria. In its assessment, this reflects an attempt to influence external perceptions rather than to address underlying drivers of insecurity.

On electoral matters, Afenifere Diaspora USA criticises reported initiatives within the National Assembly to remove the requirement that candidates possess at least a secondary school certificate from the Electoral Act. The group describes this move as a step that would reduce leadership standards and negatively affect democratic consolidation.

The organisation points to Section 131 of the Constitution, which currently sets a minimum of secondary school education or its equivalent for presidential candidates. It argues that, given the demands of a digital and knowledge-based global environment, lowering educational thresholds for public office would be counterproductive to effective governance.

Afenifere Diaspora USA also calls for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results in real time. It maintains that technology-based, transparent collation processes are necessary to enhance the credibility of the 2027 elections and to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.