On Sunday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu for what it termed his persistent disregard for Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, accusing him of valuing political optics over his fundamental responsibility to safeguard Nigerian lives.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC dismissed the President’s recent declaration at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, Plateau State-that his goal is to unify Nigerians-as mere political posturing. The party argued that the President’s conduct since assuming office reveals a lack of genuine understanding of what national unity entails.
The ADC emphasized that Nigeria is currently facing severe security threats and offered concrete recommendations for the Tinubu administration to address the crisis effectively.
The party expressed profound concern over President Tinubu’s apparent insensitivity to the worsening security situation nationwide.
“As the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, vested constitutionally with the authority to protect citizens’ lives and property, the President’s ongoing preference for attending social and political functions amid a deepening security crisis is both unacceptable and irresponsible,” the statement read.
“Just today, reports indicate that nine Local Government Areas in Kwara State-once known for peace and stability before this APC-led government-have been besieged by armed bandits. In a disturbing sign of state fragility, residents are now coerced into providing food, drinks, money, and other resources as ransom. This represents a catastrophic failure of governance. Yet, the presidency has neither acknowledged these events nor outlined any strategy to assist the affected communities or hold perpetrators accountable.
“On the same day, a similar violent attack occurred in Kogi State, where gunmen killed travellers and abducted several individuals, including women and children, demanding ransom. Earlier this week, over 180 schools across Northern Nigeria were reported closed, with children kept at home due to escalating insecurity. These incidents are part of a broader, bloodier trend. From Plateau to Zamfara, Benue to Niger, Kaduna to Kwara, mass kidnappings, violent assaults, and forced displacements are on the rise.
“Despite these alarming developments, the federal government continues to offer vague assurances of ‘progress,’ a claim starkly contradicted by the daily toll of innocent lives lost to what appears to be senseless violence.
“While rural communities are emptied and schools shuttered, the President attends funerals and political ceremonies, sending a disheartening message that political image takes precedence over the safety of Nigerians.
“Earlier this year, hundreds were killed in prolonged attacks in Plateau State, yet the President did not visit the area, choosing instead to remain in the comfort of the Presidential Villa, issuing condemnations and directives that went unheeded.
“President Tinubu’s assertion of progress in combating insecurity is a painful denial of the harsh reality faced by Nigerians who continue to bury loved ones daily.
“This denial likely stems from either callous indifference or a simplistic view of a complex crisis. Consequently, the President offers no new insights or plans to break the siege on Nigeria,” the ADC stated.
The party also rejected the President’s claim of intending to unite Nigerians as insincere and hollow. “To be clear, President Tinubu’s actions and inactions since taking office have deepened divisions among Nigerians. Attending a single church event in Jos or wearing traditional attire in Imo cannot erase this record.
“Symbolic gestures of unity, no matter how eloquent, cannot substitute for genuine efforts to bring the nation together-such as being present where citizens need leadership, not just where political allies seek appearances.”
The ADC urged the Tinubu administration to take the following steps: “First, openly recognize the magnitude and complexity of the security crisis nationwide, and cease making insensitive claims of progress that mock Nigerians’ lived experiences.
“Second, engage sincerely with affected states, local governments, and communities-listen attentively to their accounts and solicit their input.
“Third, raise the national security alert level and coordinate joint military and police operations with full participation from local and state security agencies.
“Fourth, commit to transparent, regular public updates on security incidents and response outcomes.
“Finally, establish a clear, accountable system for monitoring and auditing federal security expenditures.”
“Nigeria is under siege. This government must stop pretending otherwise. National security should not be a political slogan but a top governing priority. The lives of Nigerians must outweigh political soundbites and ceremonial events. The era of symbolic acts is over. What the nation urgently requires is responsible leadership, decisive action, and tangible results.”
