The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, has vowed to resist what he described as targeted attacks against President Bola Tinubu and his supporters.
Israel accused some opposition supporters, particularly elements within the Obidient movement, of attacking and threatening Nigerians who openly support the President.
He made the allegations in a statement issued on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
According to him, the alleged attacks have affected entertainers, comedians, creative professionals, public officials and ordinary supporters.
“What we are witnessing is no longer ordinary political disagreement. It is a deliberate, sustained campaign of targeted hate against President Bola Tinubu, his family, and every Nigerian who openly stands with him,” Israel said.
He claimed that some Nigerians now fear publicly supporting Tinubu because of possible harassment.
APC Youth Leader Cites Amupitan Protest in London
Israel cited the confrontation involving INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan outside Chatham House in London on November 12.
He said protesters surrounded Amupitan’s vehicle, shouted insults and demanded his resignation.
The protesters reportedly accused INEC of favouring Tinubu and the APC over concerns about the preliminary voters’ register.
Israel claimed some protesters wore Peter Obi-branded items. He also cited an allegation that some participants received payment to stage the protest.
He described the incident as an attempt to intimidate an independent electoral institution.
“This was not a spontaneous expression of democratic concern. It was targeted intimidation of an independent institution, dressed up as protest,” he said.
Israel Accuses Opposition Elements of Attacking Tinubu’s Convoy
The APC youth leader also referred to an incident in Abuja on Friday, November 13.
Tinubu had attended Juma’at prayers at the Shehu Shagari Central Mosque in Area 1, Garki.
Israel alleged that sponsored thugs attempted to attack security operatives attached to the President’s convoy.
He said videos showed youths throwing stones and chanting rejection slogans after the President’s visit.
However, his claims about the alleged sponsorship and political links of those involved were not independently established in the report.
Israel warned that further attacks on the President or his convoy would not be tolerated.
APC Youth Leader Defends First Lady
Israel also defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu against what he described as targeted attacks.
He highlighted her work through the Renewed Hope Initiative and the New Era Foundation.
He claimed the Renewed Hope Initiative had mobilised and deployed more than ₦100 billion within three years.
According to him, the programme supports women entrepreneurs, widows of fallen security personnel, schoolgirls and vulnerable families.
‘Tinubu Supporters Will Not Be Intimidated’
Israel defended the President’s economic reforms and argued that Nigerians have the constitutional right to support any political candidate.
He insisted that Tinubu’s supporters would continue defending the administration ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Democracy is not the exclusive preserve of those who hate the President. Supporters of Tinubu will not be intimidated,” he said.
He also warned those he accused of targeting the President’s supporters.
“Any further attack on the President, The First Lady, his convoy, or his supporters will be met with the full force of lawful resistance and the unbreakable resolve of those who believe Nigeria is worth the effort. Let the opposition be warned, We will not be intimidated,” Israel added.
His statement comes amid growing concerns over political violence and confrontations involving supporters of different political groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
