The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide Nigerians with the genuine reasons behind the sudden dismissal of the nation’s service chiefs, saying the abrupt reshuffle has created concerns about transparency and stability within the government.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party stated that although the President, as Commander-in-Chief, holds the constitutional authority to effect such changes, the timing — occurring amid widespread rumours of an attempted coup — makes openness and clear communication imperative.
“We acknowledge that the President reserves the power to make such changes as he may deem fit. However, we are somewhat concerned that this change is coming in the wake of widespread rumours of an attempted coup,” the ADC said.
The opposition party criticised the Federal Government for what it described as a confusing and evasive reaction to the coup rumours, arguing that Nigerians deserved transparency rather than uncertainty.
“The reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC further noted that several of the dismissed service chiefs had been appointed only around 28 months ago, while the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff had served as Chief of Army Staff for merely a year. It argued that such a major overhaul of the military leadership could not have occurred without serious underlying causes.
“This kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons,” the party noted.
The ADC stressed that Nigerians are entitled to a clear explanation from the government, emphasising that its concern stems from a desire for peace and the preservation of democracy.
“As an opposition political party, our interest remains the stability of our country and our democracy. In light of developments in our neighbourhood, particularly in Chad and across the Sahel, we are gravely concerned,” it said.
The party accused the Tinubu administration of losing focus, claiming that insecurity is worsening even as the government appears more preoccupied with political manoeuvring than with protecting lives and property.
“Insecurity continues to spread, with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in others.
“But this is not the reason the government is changing the service chiefs. Instead, the administration’s attention appears fully focused on regime politics rather than securing the lives of Nigerians,” the ADC said.
It cautioned that the sweeping military shake-up might heighten public unease and fuel more conspiracy theories instead of restoring confidence.
“This action, if anything, will only further promote rumours and conspiracy theories,” the party cautioned.
The ADC concluded by urging the Federal Government to be open about its decisions and to reassure citizens that Nigeria’s democracy remains secure.
“We therefore reiterate our earlier position that the Federal Government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat,” the party said.
