INSECURITY: Commander-in-Chief Failing His People, ADC Criticises Tinubu.

Tinubu.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it termed the federal government’s inadequate response to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, stating that he was falling short of fulfilling the constitutional duties of his role as Commander-in-Chief.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC noted that the country was facing severe security threats and urged the federal government to place greater emphasis on protecting citizens’ lives and property, rather than prioritising political matters.

The party also criticised Tinubu’s recent remarks at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos, where he promised to unite Nigerians. The ADC described these comments as inconsistent with the government’s track record on fostering national unity since Tinubu assumed office.

“The African Democratic Congress, ADC, is deeply concerned about the federal government’s response to the growing insecurity in the country.

“As the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in whom the constitutional authority to secure the lives and property of citizens is vested, the President’s continued participation in social and political events despite deteriorating security conditions raises questions about priorities,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC pointed to several recent events to underscore the gravity of the crisis. It referenced reports indicating that nine local government areas in Kwara State, once regarded as peaceful, had come under attack from armed groups, with residents being forced to provide food, money, and other resources under coercion.

“This development represents a serious governance challenge. Yet, there has been no clear communication from the Presidency on steps being taken to support affected communities or hold perpetrators accountable,” the party said.

The statement also cited an armed ambush in Kogi State in which travellers were allegedly killed and others abducted. Additionally, it highlighted reports that more than 180 schools in northern Nigeria had shut down due to persistent security threats.

The party mentioned that similar violent incidents have occurred in Plateau, Zamfara, Benue, Niger, Kaduna, and other states.

“Despite these realities, the federal government continues to assure the public that ‘progress’ is being made, a claim that many Nigerians find difficult to reconcile with the rising number of attacks,” the ADC noted.

The party also observed that President Tinubu had not visited several communities that had suffered major attacks, including areas in Plateau State affected earlier in the year.

“Instead, responses were often limited to statements and directives issued from Abuja,” Abdullahi added.

The ADC stressed that assurances of progress must be supported by defined strategies and visible outcomes if they are to be meaningful to Nigerians. The party also argued that symbolic acts of national unity cannot take the place of real measures to tackle insecurity.

“The symbolism of national unity, no matter how well delivered, must be backed by concrete action, including direct engagement with citizens in affected areas,” the party said.

The ADC offered several recommendations to improve the situation. These included publicly acknowledging the scale and complexity of the security crisis, engaging directly with affected states and communities, improving national security alertness, and coordinating joint deployments of security forces alongside local networks.

It also proposed regular public updates on security incidents and responses, along with the creation of a transparent system to monitor and audit how federal security funds are spent.

“Nigeria is facing significant security challenges. The government must treat this as a top governing priority. What the country needs now is focused leadership, urgent operational action, and measurable results,” the ADC insisted.