Better for Fulani to be killing us than for Igbo to rule - Adeyinka

Political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to deepen across Nigeria as ethnic sentiments and divisive rhetoric increasingly dominate conversations online.

A staunch supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adepoju Adeyinka, has sparked outrage on social media after making controversial remarks about the possibility of an Igbo candidate becoming Nigeria’s president.

According to him:

“Every bonafide Yoruba child knows not to vote for an Igbo man, come rain, come shine.

Better for Fulani to be killing us than for Igbo to rule.

Igbo hate us, we don't care about their good intentions to fix Nigeria. They want to fix Nigeria just to gloat at PBAT.

VOTE YORUBA.”

The comments, which quickly went viral across multiple platforms, triggered intense reactions from Nigerians both at home and abroad. While some supporters defended his position as “political loyalty,” many others condemned the statement as dangerous, divisive, and capable of worsening ethnic tensions in a country already struggling with insecurity, economic hardship, and distrust among different tribes.

Several Nigerians expressed disappointment that political discourse in the country is gradually shifting away from competence, leadership, and national development to tribal loyalty and ethnic supremacy. Critics argued that statements like these continue to fuel hate, deepen division, and distract citizens from demanding accountability from political leaders.

Others pointed out the irony of ordinary Nigerians attacking one another online over tribe and religion while millions across all ethnic groups continue to face the same realities — rising food prices, unemployment, insecurity, unstable electricity, and the high cost of living.

The remarks have also reignited conversations about tribal politics in Nigeria, especially after the highly contested 2023 presidential election which saw strong ethnic and regional alignments among supporters of different political parties.

Many social commentators warned that inflammatory political statements from influential supporters could further polarize the country if not properly addressed, stressing that Nigeria’s unity should be placed above ethnic rivalry and political bitterness.

As reactions continue to pour in, the controversy once again highlights how deeply ethnicity and political loyalty remain intertwined in Nigeria’s democratic space ahead of another crucial election cycle.