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VENO INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE EDITORIAL | POLITICS 14 OCTOBER 2026 TINUBU MUST GO VS TINUBU MUST STAY! Two Conflicting Voices, One Nigeria: What Does This Mean for 2027?
Date: 14-10-26

By Bishop Dr. Sanya Ojo, SOMH Cares
Publisher/Editor, VENO International Magazine

Nigeria's political atmosphere is gradually becoming charged as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Two contrasting political slogans are emerging in public discussions: “Tinubu Must Go” and “Tinubu Must Stay.”
These expressions reflect differing opinions about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and the country's political future.
Recently, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction and dualisation of the Lambata–Bida–Mokwa highway, supporters reportedly echoed the slogan, “Tinubu Must Stay!”
In contrast, protesters in Kaduna reportedly chanted “Tinubu Must Go!” before police officers disrupted their demonstration.
Although these two reported incidents occurred in different locations and circumstances, they raise important questions about democracy, political tolerance and the freedom of Nigerians to express their opinions.
The details of both incidents, including the circumstances of the police intervention, require independent verification.

TWO VOICES, ONE DEMOCRACY
The beauty of democracy lies in the freedom of citizens to express their political preferences without intimidation.
Those chanting “Tinubu Must Stay” have the democratic right to support the President and advocate continuity.
Similarly, those demanding “Tinubu Must Go” have the constitutional right to express dissatisfaction and call for political change through lawful democratic means.
Neither political loyalty nor opposition should automatically make anyone an enemy of the nation.
Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees freedom of expression, while Section 40 protects peaceful assembly and association.
These constitutional protections are fundamental to democratic participation.

WHY SHOULD ONE VOICE BE HEARD AND ANOTHER SILENCED?
The reported events raise a question deserving public attention.
If supporters of the government can openly express their desire for President Tinubu to remain in office, should peaceful critics not enjoy the same freedom to demand change?
Of course, the police have a responsibility to maintain public order and protect lives and property.

However, any restriction on peaceful political expression must have a lawful and proportionate justification.
The circumstances surrounding the reported Kaduna protest should therefore be clarified.

BEYOND POLITICAL SLOGANS
As the 2027 elections approach, Nigerians deserve more than competing political chants.
Supporters of the administration point to ongoing infrastructure projects, economic reforms and other government initiatives as reasons for continuity.
Critics, meanwhile, raise concerns about the cost of living, insecurity, unemployment and the effects of economic policies on ordinary households.
Both sides must be prepared to engage with evidence.
The reconstruction and dualisation of important highways should be examined in terms of funding, execution, completion and their eventual benefits to the public.
Likewise, concerns about economic hardship deserve serious discussion rather than dismissal.
THE PEOPLE MUST HAVE THEIR SAY
Ultimately, the decision about who governs Nigeria after the 2027 presidential election belongs to eligible voters exercising their constitutional rights.

Political slogans may attract crowds, but elections require informed participation, credible institutions and respect for the law.
Government supporters must be free to campaign peacefully. Opposition supporters must enjoy the same protection.
Democracy becomes stronger when citizens can disagree without fear.

OUR EDITORIAL POSITION
At VENO International Magazine, we believe that the fundamental issue is not simply whether Nigerians shout “Tinubu Must Go” or “Tinubu Must Stay.”
The greater issue is whether every Nigerian enjoys equal freedom to express an opinion and participate in determining the country's political future.

As the political atmosphere intensifies, public officials, security agencies, political parties and citizens have a shared responsibility to protect peaceful democratic participation.
Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians—not only those who support the government or those who oppose it.

Let political arguments be settled through facts, constructive debate and the ballot box.
The voice of the people must be respected.
Bishop Dr. Sanya Ojo, SOMH Cares
Publisher/Editor
VENO International Magazine
@VENO 2026

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