The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of neglecting his duties as Commander-in-Chief amid a surge in insecurity nationwide.
In a statement released on Sunday and signed by National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed deep concern over what it described as the government’s insufficient response to the rising wave of violence, which has now reached areas once considered safe.
“As the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, the President holds the constitutional obligation to protect citizens and their property. His ongoing attendance at social and political gatherings, despite the worsening security situation, raises serious questions about his priorities,” Abdullahi remarked.
The ADC highlighted recent security breaches in several states, including attacks in nine local government areas of Kwara State, where armed groups reportedly coerced residents into handing over food, money, and other valuables. The party also referenced violent episodes in Kogi State, where travelers were both killed and abducted, alongside the shutdown of over 180 schools in northern Nigeria due to persistent threats. Similar security challenges continue to plague Plateau, Zamfara, Benue, Niger, and Kaduna states.
According to the ADC, the federal government’s response has been largely detached and symbolic, noting that the President has yet to visit many of the most affected communities. “Government promises must be matched with clear, actionable plans and measurable outcomes. Empty displays of solidarity cannot substitute for effective security measures,” the statement emphasized.
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To rebuild public trust, the ADC proposed several urgent steps, including:
– A frank acknowledgment of the full extent of the security crisis.
– Direct dialogue with communities impacted by violence.
– Enhanced coordinated deployments of security forces incorporating local insights.
– Consistent public updates on security incidents and progress made.
– Transparent oversight of security-related expenditures.
“Nigeria is confronting serious security threats. What is required now is decisive leadership, immediate operational responses, and verifiable results,” Abdullahi concluded.
The ADC’s critique arrives amid growing dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration, as opposition parties and civil society organizations warn that escalating insecurity is undermining public confidence and disrupting local economies.