The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s response to recent U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto State, emphasizing the urgent need for Nigeria to confront its own domestic security issues. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s spokesperson, voiced concerns on social media about the president’s apparent delegation of his constitutional duties, questioning who is truly in control of the nation.
The airstrikes, conducted by the U.S. Africa Command, targeted ISIS positions in Sokoto State on December 25, following a coordinated intelligence-sharing agreement between the U.S. and Nigeria. Despite this collaboration, there has been limited information on casualties, raising alarms about Nigeria’s sovereignty and the communication surrounding the event.
In its statement, the ADC acknowledged Nigeria’s grave security challenges and reaffirmed the necessity of prioritizing the safety of citizens and the fight against terrorism. The party supports lawful actions that aim to restore security but also expressed apprehension regarding foreign military interventions. It cautioned against compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty, asserting that reliance on foreign forces must not replace indigenous solutions to national security.
The ADC characterized the airstrikes as a desperate measure triggered by the current administration’s failures in managing national security. It criticized the government for prioritizing revenue collection over pressing issues like security and diplomacy.
Furthermore, the party raised concerns about how citizens received information regarding the airstrikes. While the president typically addresses the nation for significant matters, communication regarding the strikes came primarily through a social media post from the U.S. President, with minimal input from Nigerian officials. This lack of direct communication was seen as indicative of a troubling disconnect in governance, especially concerning such a sensitive issue.
The ADC concluded by calling for transparency, urging the government to disclose the outcomes of the airstrikes, including any casualties among militants, and stressing the need for Nigeria to maintain control over its security responses.
