Planned Protest Against Nigerian President Opposed by UK Chapter of Country's Ruling Party: Reports

The planned protest against Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is opposed by the leadership of the country's ruling party All Progressive Congress (APC) Chapter in the United Kingdom, which called the rally a misadventure, local media reported, citing the Chairman of the chapter and the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairman, Tunde Doherty.

Doherty reportedly noted that he could not leave without a response the recent allegations made by a group of activists led by Yesufu regarding Tinubu's educational credentials.

"It has come to our attention that this group is organizing a protest in London to propagate unfounded claims about the educational credentials of President Bola Tinubu. The allegations of forged certificates not only lack concrete evidence but also undermine the spirit of democracy and fair political discourse that we hold dear," he was quoted by the media as saying.

The chairman emphasized the need to "address this matter and underscore the significance of relying on substantiated facts over premature and unsubstantiated allegations."

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He noted that the president "has a long and illustrious track record of serving" Nigeria and has shown determination to improve the country.

"President Bola Tinubu, a seasoned and distinguished statesman, has a long and illustrious track record of serving our great nation. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the betterment of Nigeria and its people," Doherty underlined.

He emphasized that the APC diaspora leaders were standing firmly behind the leader.

Furthermore, the chairman stressed that although, the value of peaceful protest and the freedom of expression is recognized by the chapter, such moves must be based on facts and ought to be genuinely aiming to promote justice rather than serve as an instrument to defame political figures and split the country.

"We implore those planning to participate in this protest to consider the potential consequences of spreading unfounded allegations and misinformation. In the spirit of constructive dialogue and unity, we encourage a more constructive approach to addressing concerns or grievances related to our nation’s leadership. Let us engage in respectful, evidence-based discussions that foster progress and maintain the dignity of our great nation," the chairman was cited by the outlet as saying.

Apart from this, Doherty emphasized that "anyone with genuine concerns to engage in a meaningful and informed dialogue with us" is welcome, the chapter "firmly believe in the power of informed, collaborative, and fact-based solutions to move [the] nation forward."

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On October 29, Yesufu urged her followers on social networks to take to the streets of London on November 4 to protest against Tinubu in the wake of claims that the president falsified his educational credentials.

Earlier, following the Tinubu's victory in the February presidential election, the rival candidates filed a lawsuit, demanding a review of the vote outcome. Supporting his appeal, the second place candidate, Atiku Abubakar, claimed in early October that the incumbent leader forged a diploma from an American university that he presented to Nigeria's election commission before the election, according to media reports.

However, on October 26, Nigeria's Supreme Court dismissed the appeals that challenged Tinubu's victory in the election, issued by Abubakar and Peter Obi, who camethird in the elections.