Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has explained why he would support President Bola Tinubu over Peter Obi if the two were to face off in the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Adeyanju clarified that his position is not based on loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but on his personal convictions about political tolerance, democracy, and the conduct of political supporters.
“Why would someone like me support the APC? But if the opposition fields Peter Obi, I’d vote for Tinubu,” he said. “This is because we cannot have a situation where anyone who criticizes a candidate is labeled an enemy of Nigeria or accused of being paid off.”
Adeyanju rejected claims that he was being used to weaken the opposition, saying his political views have always been independent. He noted that he had voted across party lines in past elections based on his judgment of each candidate’s merit.
“In 1999, I voted for Obasanjo. In 2011 and 2015, I supported Goodluck Jonathan. In 2023, I voted for Omoyele Sowore. I’ve never voted for someone I considered a bad candidate,” he said.
Adeyanju’s main criticism of Obi’s 2023 campaign stems from what he describes as toxic behavior among some of Obi’s supporters.
“They terrorized people online, insulted anyone who disagreed with them. Look at how they treated Joke Silva just for supporting Tinubu. Everyone has a right to their choice,” he stated.
He stressed the need to “sanitize the political space,” arguing that political extremism is dangerous and undermines democracy.
Initially, Adeyanju said he was excited by Obi’s candidacy, especially as it represented a possible historic presidency for the South-East.
“The idea of Obi running was exciting at first because the South-East has never produced a president since independence,” he noted. However, he said that excitement faded as the campaign unfolded.
Adeyanju emphasized that his criticism of Obi should not be interpreted as support for the APC.
“People must understand that opposing one candidate doesn’t automatically mean you support another. I’m focused on issue-based politics,” he said.
Adeyanju also recounted his history of activism and the personal cost he has paid for defending democracy.
“I’ve been arrested multiple times for my advocacy. At one point, they almost charged me with terrorism. I’ve put my life on the line for this country,” he said.
He concluded by calling for unity among opposition figures if they truly want to challenge the APC successfully in 2027.
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