The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide Nigerians with a transparent and convincing explanation for what it described as a “sudden and unsettling overhaul” of the nation’s military leadership.
The opposition party’s reaction follows the President’s recent decision to dismiss most of the Service Chiefs he appointed less than two years ago — a move that has sparked widespread speculation and unease among citizens.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC acknowledged the President’s constitutional authority to make such appointments but questioned the timing and context of the shake-up, especially in the wake of recent rumours about an attempted coup.
“The President’s decision, though within his rights, comes at a delicate moment for national security,” Abdullahi said. “The lack of clarity in the government’s response to the coup rumours has only deepened public confusion. Nigerians deserve to know what truly informed this sweeping change.”
The ADC noted that many of the relieved officers had barely completed three years in service, with the recently removed Chief of Defence Staff having only been elevated to the position last year. The party warned that the abrupt nature of the changes could disrupt military cohesion and unsettle internal stability at a time when the country faces mounting security challenges.
It further cautioned that the government’s silence could give room for speculation and conspiracy theories, undermining public confidence in both the administration and the armed forces.
“The peace and stability of Nigeria must remain above political calculation,” the ADC added. “What is happening in Chad and across the Sahel should remind us all of the dangers of distraction and disunity in the face of persistent insecurity.”
The opposition party urged the Tinubu administration to address Nigerians openly, assuring them that democracy remains firm and that the recent shake-up was guided by genuine national interest rather than internal crisis or political maneuvering.
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