Aisha Yesufu Raises Alarm Over Tinubu’s Tenure Extensions, Warns of Systematic Destruction of Nigeria’s Democratic Institutions

 

Aisha Yesufu, a well-known activist and advocate for transparent governance, has once again taken a strong stance against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Known for her unwavering criticism of Nigeria’s political elite, Yesufu raised concerns about what she describes as the steady and deliberate dismantling of the country’s institutions under Tinubu's leadership.

Using her verified X (formerly Twitter) platform to express dismay, Yesufu accused the president of wrecking the integrity and structure of national governance systems. Her comments came shortly after Tinubu approved a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Yesufu posted on Friday: “We are watching Tinubu destroying every fabric of our institutions. Desecrating them!”

Her outcry has ignited discussions across political and civic platforms, especially among citizens wary of any action that could erode the independence or longevity of Nigeria’s already fragile institutions.

The focal point of the controversy is Tinubu’s decision to prolong Adeniyi’s tenure. Originally set to conclude in August 2025, Adeniyi’s service has now been extended until August 2026. The president's decision effectively grants Adeniyi an additional year in office, raising eyebrows among observers who argue that institutional tenure extensions often reflect political motivations rather than administrative necessity.

Adeniyi assumed the role of Comptroller-General in an acting capacity and was officially confirmed in October 2023. Before his appointment, he had served in various strategic roles within the Customs Service and was considered a seasoned professional. Still, critics argue that the timing and justification of the extension lack transparency and could set a dangerous precedent.

Public reaction to Yesufu’s statements has been mixed. While some believe she is simply being alarmist, others see her warnings as a valid call to scrutinize decisions that could affect the balance and fairness of public service appointments. Her message taps into growing national anxiety over creeping authoritarianism and perceived personalization of state institutions.

The current administration has faced a barrage of criticism since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. From economic decisions to security strategies and public sector reforms, the president’s approach has often been described as unilateral and dismissive of institutional norms. Critics argue that Tinubu has demonstrated a pattern of circumventing standard procedures in favor of executive discretion.

A broader context reveals that Nigeria has had a checkered history with institutional independence. Successive governments have been accused of weakening public institutions through political appointments, extended tenures, and disregard for constitutional guidelines. Yesufu’s remarks, though pointed, echo a long-standing concern about the fragility of state institutions in the face of strongman politics.

Several governance analysts have pointed out that the extension of tenure for heads of public agencies can undermine morale within institutions. According to them, such actions may discourage succession planning and merit-based promotion, especially when seasoned professionals are left with limited opportunities to advance.

The presidency has not issued any formal statement addressing Yesufu’s remarks or offering further justification for the tenure extension. However, officials within the government have previously defended similar actions, citing the need for continuity, stability, and reform implementation as reasons for retaining senior officials beyond their expected tenure.

Aisha Yesufu, co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement and a prominent figure during the End SARS protests, has consistently used her platform to challenge government excesses. She maintains a reputation for being unrelenting in her demand for accountability, regardless of which political party is in power.

Her current remarks align with previous criticisms leveled at the Tinubu administration. She has often expressed concern over what she sees as an erosion of democratic principles and the repurposing of state institutions for political expediency.

What remains to be seen is whether this warning shot will spur any meaningful debate within Nigeria’s legislative or judicial arms of government, or if it will be another instance of public outrage that fades without consequence.

For now, the questions remain: Is President Tinubu simply ensuring continuity, or is he reshaping Nigeria’s public institutions in a way that centralizes power and undermines democratic accountability? And will voices like Yesufu’s lead to a reckoning or be drowned in the growing tide of executive authority?