The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus on tackling terrorism, banditry and kidnapping rather than engaging in political battles with opposition parties, following the President’s recent remarks about fighting his rivals ahead of the 2027 election.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said Nigerians elected Tinubu to confront the country’s worsening insecurity, not to direct his energy toward political opponents.
‘Fight Criminals, Not the Opposition’
The ADC said the President’s priority should be defeating terrorists, kidnappers and armed groups responsible for the continued loss of lives across the country.
According to the party:
“The fight Nigerians elected President Tinubu to lead is not against the opposition. It is against the terrorists, kidnappers and armed criminals who continue to kill innocent citizens and destabilise communities across the country.”
Criticism Over Tinubu’s Remarks
The party’s reaction followed President Tinubu’s declaration that he would not hand over power without a political fight and that he and his opponents would “wrestle ourselves to the finishing line” ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
ADC argued that while political competition is a normal part of democracy, the administration should devote greater attention to addressing insecurity, which it described as the country’s most urgent challenge.
Calls for Greater Focus on Security
The opposition party maintained that communities across Nigeria continue to face attacks from terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts to restore security and protect lives.
It added that Nigerians would judge the administration based on its performance in governance and security rather than political rhetoric.