APC chieftain and Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the president’s political history shows he cannot be afraid of electoral contest or democratic competition. Afegbua made the remarks during an interview on Arise News while responding to political debates surrounding the president, opposition criticisms and comments linked to the country’s democratic trajectory. Referencing remarks he appeared to agree with, Afegbua argued that Tinubu’s background in pro-democracy activism and his record in public office contradict suggestions that he would be uncomfortable with open political contest. Speaking during the interview, Afegbua said, “He said President Tinubu cannot be afraid of election. He was a senator during Babangida era. He left here, he fought for democracy.” According to him, Tinubu’s political journey, from serving as a senator during the military-era transition under former military president Ibrahim Babangida to his role in pro-democracy struggles, reflects a longstanding commitment to democratic principles. Afegbua maintained that Tinubu’s involvement in the fight for democracy, particularly during periods of political uncertainty, makes it difficult to portray him as a leader who would fear electoral competition. His comments come amid heightened political debate over governance, opposition coalition efforts and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future elections. The APC chieftain suggested that Tinubu’s political record should be assessed within the context of his historical role in democratic struggles, rather than through partisan criticism. Afegbua’s remarks have drawn reactions from political observers, with supporters viewing the comments as a defense of Tinubu’s democratic credentials, while critics argue current political realities should be judged independently of past activism.
ARISE NEWS
