The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has blamed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for Nigeria’s recent designation by former U.S. President Donald Trump as a “country of particular concern”, accusing the government of failing to protect lives and worsening the nation’s global image.
In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said nearly 15,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent attacks since Tinubu took office in 2023 — a situation it described as “a tragic indictment of failed leadership and eroding humanity.”
“We are guided by the painful reality that what is truly at stake are the thousands of human lives lost to insecurity in Nigeria irrespective of tribe, religion, or region,” Abdullahi said. “We therefore seize this moment to honour the memory of all the victims and extend our deepest sympathies to their families.”
The party noted that Trump’s statement reflected deep international concern over Nigeria’s worsening human rights record and insecurity, saying the Tinubu administration’s slow and dismissive attitude had further eroded global confidence in the country.
“President Trump’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the global concern for the sanctity of human life and the fundamental duty of national governments to protect citizens within their borders. The dignity of nations is now measured by their willingness and capacity to protect their own people,” the ADC added.
Citing the October 31, 2025, terror attack in Kwara State, claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM, the ADC said the incident showed that terrorist networks were expanding beyond the North, with communities displaced and citizens living under constant fear.
“Entire communities have been sacked; worshippers slaughtered in sacred spaces; and bandits now control vast territories, imposing taxes on citizens with impunity,” the statement read. “Boko Haram, once declared ‘technically degraded’, is regaining strength, while new international terror groups openly claim successful attacks on Nigerian soil.”
While acknowledging that insecurity predates Tinubu’s tenure, the ADC said the President’s failure to show empathy or take responsibility had worsened the crisis.
“Instead of decisive leadership, Nigerians have been met with excuses, silence, and political posturing that mock the tragedy of victims and their families,” the statement continued.
The opposition party also criticised the government’s foreign policy inertia, questioning why, more than two years into the administration, key embassies remain without ambassadors.
“Why has the government failed to appoint ambassadors to key countries more than two years into its term? How can an administration boasting of record revenues still cite lack of funds as an excuse?” Abdullahi queried.
The ADC warned that under Tinubu, Nigeria’s influence in West Africa had diminished sharply, noting that ECOWAS — once led by Nigeria as a beacon of democracy — had become fractured under his leadership.
“A region that once looked up to Nigeria for guidance now watches us fumble with our own crises,” the party lamented.
To restore stability, the ADC called for sweeping reforms, including an overhaul of the security architecture, a foreign policy reset, and renewed economic focus anchored on accountability and institutional integrity.
“We must act now, with courage, clarity, and an unyielding commitment to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian. Certainly, Nigeria cannot continue like this,” the statement read.
While appealing for international support, the ADC urged the U.S. and other world powers to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy instead of imposing punitive measures or threatening intervention.
“Mobilising or threatening military intervention would be counterproductive, undermining our democratic aspirations and long-term unity,” the party warned.
The ADC concluded that unless urgent action is taken, Nigeria risks total collapse under the weight of insecurity, poor governance, and what it described as a “government obsessed with propaganda and self-celebration.”
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