The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to provide a clear and public explanation for his unexpected removal of Nigeria’s service chiefs. The party said Nigerians deserve transparency, especially following growing speculation about the stability of his administration.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC acknowledged that while the President, as Commander-in-Chief, has constitutional powers to appoint or dismiss military leaders, the timing of this major reshuffle raises serious questions.
“We recognize that the President holds the authority to make such changes as he deems necessary,” Abdullahi stated. “However, this decision comes at a time when rumours of a possible coup are widespread, and that makes openness critical.”
Reports had earlier surfaced that President Tinubu dismissed all service chiefs just a week after SaharaReporters revealed details of an alleged coup plot and the secret detention of 16 senior military officers by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Although the Presidency claimed the move was aimed at “strengthening Nigeria’s national security architecture,” observers noted that the decision came amid weeks of internal tension and investigations into alleged disloyalty among some top officers.
Despite government denials of any coup attempt, the shake-up has deepened public suspicion that the administration may be battling growing mistrust within the military.
According to SaharaReporters, the detained officers — drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force — are said to be attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), headed by Nuhu Ribadu, a retired police officer and lawyer. Family members of the officers confirmed they had been held for over three weeks in undisclosed locations in Abuja under what they described as “unusual and suspicious circumstances.”
One family told the outlet they initially believed their relative had been kidnapped since there was no official communication from the military about his arrest or whereabouts.
President Tinubu’s earlier decision to cancel Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations also fueled speculation of a link to the alleged coup, though the Defence Headquarters dismissed the connection as “false and malicious.”
The ADC, however, criticized what it termed the government’s “confusing and evasive” response to the issue, accusing it of creating uncertainty instead of offering clarity.
“The government’s reaction has swung between deliberate ambiguity and outright confusion over a matter that demands total transparency,” Abdullahi said.
The party further noted that some of the dismissed service chiefs had served for less than 30 months, suggesting that such drastic action might have been driven by “serious underlying issues.”
“This decision carries weighty implications for morale and stability within the armed forces and could not have been taken lightly,” the ADC stated.
Abdullahi emphasized that the party’s concerns stem from a commitment to safeguarding national stability and democratic governance, especially considering the wave of political upheavals in neighbouring countries such as Chad and others across the Sahel region.
“As an opposition party, our foremost interest is the survival of our democracy and the stability of our nation,” he said.
The ADC also accused the Tinubu administration of neglecting its duty to secure Nigerians, alleging that it prioritizes political survival over public safety.
“Insecurity continues to spread. Terrorist groups are regaining ground, and bandits still operate freely in many regions,” the statement read. “Yet the focus seems more on regime politics than protecting citizens’ lives.”
The party warned that the abrupt reshuffle might worsen public anxiety and fuel conspiracy theories, rather than inspire confidence in national security.
“This action will likely deepen speculation and distrust instead of restoring calm,” the ADC cautioned.
Reaffirming its stance, the ADC urged the federal government to be transparent with Nigerians and to assure them that the country’s democracy remains secure.
“We call on the government to address this issue openly and assure citizens that Nigeria’s democratic system is not under threat,” Abdullahi concluded.
