ADC Demands Explanation from Tinubu Over Sudden Military Shake-Up

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide Nigerians with a clear and honest explanation regarding what it described as a “sudden and surprising overhaul” of the nation’s military leadership.

The opposition party’s demand follows the President’s recent decision to sack most of the Service Chiefs he appointed nearly two years ago.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that the sweeping changes came shortly after widespread rumours of an attempted coup.

Abdullahi noted that while the President reserves the constitutional authority to make changes in the military hierarchy, the timing of the action raises “serious questions.” He added that the government’s handling of the coup rumours lacked clarity, thereby creating confusion among citizens.

The ADC observed that several of the dismissed Service Chiefs had barely served three years in office, with the former Chief of Defence Staff only promoted last year. The party warned that such a drastic shake-up could unsettle the armed forces and threaten internal stability.

According to the statement, the federal government owes Nigerians a full and transparent account of what truly prompted the decision, stressing that the administration appears increasingly distracted from tackling the country’s pressing security challenges.

“The insurgency and banditry ravaging parts of the country continue to spread while leadership instability within the military could further worsen the situation,” the ADC said.

The party cautioned that the mass replacement of military heads could fuel suspicion and conspiracy theories, urging the government to act with transparency and reassure Nigerians that democracy remains stable and secure.

“As an opposition party, our concern is the peace and stability of Nigeria,” the ADC stated, warning that the political turmoil in neighbouring Chad and other Sahel nations should serve as a reminder of the dangers of distraction during times of insecurity.