Joe Igbokwe, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for the restraint of individuals leading the “Tinubu Must Go” protest movement. Igbokwe made this statement in a Facebook post responding to a peaceful demonstration at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The protest, organized by a coalition of opposition leaders, was aimed at addressing the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). During the demonstration, some ADC supporters were heard chanting slogans calling for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation.
Igbokwe questioned the rationale behind the demand for Tinubu’s departure, noting that the president is yet to complete his second term in office. “I saw some street urchins and touts shouting Tinubu must go, Tinubu must go,” he wrote. “Has Tinubu finished his 4-year term in office? These ADC clueless kids should be tamed and trained. The boys do not know that the train has left the station.”
The APC chieftain’s comments highlight the growing tensions surrounding Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly in the wake of recent electoral disputes and party infighting. The ADC’s internal crisis has been a focal point of opposition criticism, with some factions accusing INEC of bias in its handling of the matter.
While the protest at INEC headquarters remained peaceful, it underscores the increasing polarization in Nigerian politics and the challenges facing the country’s democratic institutions. As the nation navigates these complex issues, the role of political parties, electoral bodies, and civil society in maintaining stability and fostering dialogue remains crucial.
The incident also raises questions about the limits of political expression and the responsibilities of political leaders in managing dissent. As Nigeria continues to grapple with these challenges, the need for constructive engagement and respect for democratic processes becomes ever more apparent.
