The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a prominent Nigerian opposition party, has issued a scathing statement criticising the United States airstrikes conducted on Christmas Day in Sokoto State, describing the operation as a stark illustration of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s “historic incompetence” in addressing the country’s protracted security challenges.
In a detailed press release signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC acknowledged the severe threat posed by terrorism in Nigeria and reaffirmed its support for any lawful measures to protect citizens and restore stability.
Read the related story on New Daily Prime: PDP slams FG over communication on US airstrike against ISIS
The party vehemently opposed the direct involvement of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil, warning that such actions risk compromising national sovereignty.
The statement highlighted the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes on 25 December 2025, which targeted alleged terrorist locations in Sokoto State.
While US officials claimed the strikes, carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, neutralised multiple Islamic State militants, the ADC argued that relying on foreign intervention underscores a profound failure of domestic governance.
“The manner in which Nigerians learned of this sensitive development is equally troubling,” the ADC noted, pointing out that initial reports emerged from a social media post by the US President, rather than a direct address from President Tinubu.
It contrasted this with the government’s readiness to communicate on less critical issues, suggesting a lack of leadership awareness regarding the incident’s historic significance.
The party raised pointed questions about Nigeria’s role in the operation, claiming the government appeared to serve merely as an informant providing intelligence, rather than leading the mission.
“If Nigeria possessed the intelligence guiding this strike, why was it unable to execute the operation itself, despite trillions of naira allocated to security over the years?” the statement queried.
It also demanded clarity on the strike’s outcomes, including the number of terrorists neutralised, any special technology required, and prospects for future similar actions.
Furthermore, the ADC distinguished between genuine strategic collaboration and what it termed “myopic surrender,” asserting that outsourcing core constitutional responsibilities such as national defence is counterproductive to long-term security and sovereignty.
Read the related story on New Daily Prime:Trump: US launches attack against Nigeria’s Islamic state terrorists
It expressed particular concern over President Tinubu’s apparent deference, including tagging a foreign leader in a Christmas message, prompting questions about who truly holds authority in Nigeria.
While no single airstrike can eradicate terrorism, the ADC urged the government to prioritise Nigerian-led solutions and provide transparent explanations to the public.
The party concluded by reiterating its commitment to supporting effective anti-terrorism efforts but warned against allowing desperation to erode the nation’s strategic autonomy and self-respect.
For more details, visit New Daily Prime at www.newdailyprime.news
