The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has slammed the Minister of Power, Mr. Bayo Adelabu, for describing President Bola Tinubu as “a President for the Yorubas” during a recent political meeting in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
The rights group described the comment as “reckless, divisive, and unconstitutional,” warning that such statements could further polarize the nation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the remark undermines the spirit of national unity and the constitutional role of the president as a leader of all Nigerians—regardless of ethnicity, region, or political affiliation.
“It is absolutely irresponsible for a sitting Minister of the Federal Republic to describe the President as a Yoruba President. The Constitution is clear: the President of Nigeria is elected to serve all citizens—not an ethnic group,” Onwubiko said.
The group further accused Adelabu of neglecting his core responsibilities as Minister of Power, citing the worsening electricity crisis, repeated national grid collapses, and the deepening energy poverty experienced by millions of Nigerians under his watch.
“Instead of addressing the near-total collapse of the power sector under his supervision, the minister is gallivanting around Oyo State in pursuit of a 2027 governorship ambition. This is unacceptable. He should be shown the way out of the cabinet if he prefers politics to performance,” Onwubiko stated.
Adelabu, while addressing supporters in Ogbomosho last Friday, reportedly urged citizens to support Tinubu’s re-election, saying, “This is another turn of Yorubas to serve their two terms as President of Nigeria. Nigeria has a lot to benefit if Tinubu is re-elected.”
HURIWA warned that such rhetoric reinforces tribal sentiments and contravenes the principles of equity, fairness, and federal character enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The group said Nigeria is already grappling with deep divisions and economic hardship and does not need further strain from ethnic posturing by high-ranking officials.
“We are shocked that the Minister openly promoted such an exclusive view of governance. What message does this send to millions of Nigerians from other ethnic groups who are part of this country and also voted in the last election?
“The President was elected by Nigerians and must be seen as a national leader, not a sectional one,” HURIWA said.
The association also used the opportunity to raise concerns over what it described as an emerging trend among Tinubu’s ministers and aides, who appear more invested in 2027 politics than their statutory duties.
“It specifically mentioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
“It is unfortunate that ministers such as Wike and Onanuga are now dedicating their time to attacking political opposition instead of focusing on the real issues affecting Nigerians.
“Abuja, for example, is witnessing a surge in insecurity, and yet the FCT minister is obsessed with political media engagements and attacking the newly formed opposition coalition, ADC,” Onwubiko noted.
