Deji Adeyanju slams Obi supporters, says he prefers Tinubu in 2027

Prominent human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, says he would rather vote for President Bola Tinubu than support Peter Obi if both men were to run against each other in the 2027 presidential election.

Adeyanju  who made the comments during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, emphasised that his stance was not driven by support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) but rooted in his personal convictions about democracy, political behavior, and tolerance.

“Why would someone like me support the APC? Support them for what? But if the opposition presents Peter Obi, I’ll vote Tinubu,” Adeyanju said.

Adeyanju criticised what he described as the intolerant conduct of some Obi supporters during the 2023 general election, claiming they often attacked dissenters and shut down opposing views.

“Anyone who didn’t support their candidate was branded an enemy of Nigeria, compromised, or accused of being paid. That’s political extremism,” he said.

The human rights activist dismissed suggestions that he was working with the APC to weaken the opposition. He said  that his political positions had always been issue-based and independent.

He said, “In 1999, I voted for Obasanjo; in 2011 and 2015, I voted for Goodluck Jonathan; and in 2023, I voted for Omoyele Sowore.”

He added that his activism had often put him at odds with government authorities, leading to arrests and prosecutions.

“I’ve been charged with multiple offences, including almost being tried for terrorism — all because of my stance in defence of democracy.”

Adeyanji said that he initially welcomed Obi’s candidacy in 2023, particularly as it presented an opportunity for the South-East to produce Nigeria’s president for the first time. However, he said his enthusiasm faded due to the conduct of some of Obi’s supporters.

He pointed to incidents such as the online attacks on veteran actress Joke Silva for supporting Tinubu, contrasting it with the more tolerant behavior shown to other celebrity endorsements.

“They terrorised that woman simply for supporting Tinubu. People have a right to their political choices,” Adeyanju said.