The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has come hard on the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of monumental failure in securing the lives of Nigerians, following the decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the U.S. move was a painful reminder of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity and the government’s failure to protect its citizens.
“What is truly at stake here are the thousands of human lives that have been lost — across tribes, regions and religions,” the ADC said, adding that it was time to honour the victims rather than play politics with their deaths.
The party lamented that nearly 15,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent attacks since 2023, despite government’s repeated claims of progress in the fight against insecurity.
From Boko Haram’s resurgence to bandits controlling territories and terrorists striking across new frontlines, the ADC said Nigeria is in the grip of a national crisis that “endangers us all.”
On the very day President Trump announced his concern, the party noted, an Al-Qaeda affiliate — JNIM — claimed responsibility for an attack in Kwara State, pushing the threat dangerously close to the South.
“The crisis we face is not ethnic or religious,” the statement read. “It is an existential one — every life lost is one death too many.”
“Tinubu Has Failed Most Sacred Test of Leadership”
The ADC accused President Tinubu of failing the “most sacred duty of any government — the protection of lives.”
According to the party, the administration’s silence, excuses and propaganda have only deepened the tragedy.
“Instead of confronting the crisis, this government has chosen indifference. It gives excuses, blames others, and celebrates cosmetic wins while citizens are being slaughtered,” the statement added.
The opposition party also took aim at the government’s foreign policy, questioning why Nigeria still lacks ambassadors in key countries more than two years into the Tinubu presidency.
“How can a government boasting of revenue successes claim lack of funds to appoint ambassadors?” the ADC queried, accusing the government of “personalising foreign policy to suit the image of one man rather than the interest of the Nigerian people.”
‘Nigeria Has Lost Its Voice in West Africa’
The ADC further accused the Tinubu administration of presiding over Nigeria’s decline as a continental leader, pointing to the disarray in ECOWAS as evidence.
“A region that once looked to Nigeria for direction now watches us stumble. These failures are connected — symptoms of a government both incompetent and arrogantly blind,” the statement said.
ADC’s Recommendations
To stem the rot, the ADC called for:
A total overhaul of the national security architecture, including an independent audit of operations and leadership.
Immediate appointment of qualified ambassadors to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.
A foreign policy reset rooted in national interest, not presidential vanity.
Economic reforms focused on easing inflation and cushioning the poor.
A complete end to the personalization of public institutions.
While appreciating President Trump’s concern, the ADC warned that any foreign military involvement would be “counterproductive” to Nigeria’s democracy.
“Nigeria is not beyond saving, but time is running out,” Abdullahi warned. “We must act now with courage, clarity, and a commitment to protect every Nigerian life. Nigeria cannot continue like this.”
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
