During an interview on Channels TV, prominent human rights activist Deji Adeyanju defended the principle of political criticism while challenging what he described as selective protection of certain political figures.
Adeyanju delivered a blunt message to those seeking to shield politicians from public scrutiny. “If Peter does not want to be criticized he should go back to his house and be eating jollof rice,” he stated, emphasizing that public office comes with inevitable public judgment.
The activist outlined what he considers fundamental aspects of democratic participation. “Anyone who puts himself up for public office must be criticized, must be scrutinized, must be insulted,” Adeyanju declared, arguing that criticism is an inherent part of political life.
He challenged politicians who attempt to avoid negative feedback. “Anybody who feels too big to be criticized or too big to be insulted,” he said, suggesting that such attitudes are incompatible with public service.
Adeyanju extended his criticism to political supporters and campaign staff, arguing that protective attitudes filter down through political organizations. “And it is his mentality that his aides and his obedient mob that is the same mentality they have that our candidate cannot be criticized,” he observed.
The human rights activist then highlighted what he sees as inconsistent standards in political discourse. “(President Bola) Tinubu can be called a drug lord. Atiku Abubakar can be called a looter, a thief. But our candidate cannot be criticized,” Adeyanju stated, pointing to what he characterized as double standards in how different political figures are treated by their supporters.
