Deji Adeyanju prefers Tinubu over Obi for 2027, citing political extremism and intolerance from Obi’s supporters during the last elections
Deji Adeyanju prefers Tinubu over Obi—the human rights activist and political commentator has explained why he would choose President Bola Tinubu over Peter Obi in the 2027 general elections.
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Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Adeyanju made it clear that his stance is not driven by loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but rather by a firm belief in democratic tolerance and political civility.
“If the opposition presents Peter Obi, I will vote Tinubu,” Adeyanju said. “Why? Because we cannot have a situation where a man whose supporters cannot tolerate criticism is elevated to the presidency.”
He argued that the intolerance shown by some Obi supporters during the 2023 elections—which included online attacks, name-calling, and threats—played a major role in shaping his view.
According to Adeyanju, many Obi supporters were quick to brand anyone who disagreed with their candidate as enemies of the state or agents of the government.
“Anybody who does not support their candidate is called a traitor or accused of being paid,” he noted. “That’s not how democracy works.”
The activist clarified that his preference does not amount to support for APC policies or ideology.
“Why would someone like me support the APC? My voting pattern has always been based on the individual, not the party,” he added.
Adeyanju outlined his voting history, noting that he had voted for Obasanjo in 1999, Jonathan in 2011 and 2015, and Omoyele Sowore in 2023, all based on personal convictions.
He initially welcomed Obi’s candidacy as a historic opportunity for the South-East but said he became disillusioned with the movement’s “extreme” posture.
Adeyanju, who has faced multiple arrests and legal battles due to his activism, reminded viewers that he has consistently defended democracy—even at personal cost.
“We have put our lives on the line for this country. I was almost charged with terrorism at one point,” he said.
He stressed that his opposition to Obi should not be mistaken as partisanship.
“I am not pro-APC. I am not anti-Obi either. I’m just a Nigerian expressing my opinion.”
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Adeyanju warned that the opposition’s disunity would continue to hand political advantage to the APC. He urged for a more tolerant and inclusive political climate in the lead-up to 2027.
