By Ismaeel Aleem
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to provide Nigerians with a transparent explanation for the abrupt dismissal of several military service chiefs, a move that has sparked widespread concern and speculation.
The opposition party’s demand comes in the wake of what it described as a “sudden and surprising overhaul” of Nigeria’s military leadership, following unconfirmed reports of an attempted coup.
In a statement released on Saturday, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed unease over the timing of the reshuffle, which saw most of the service chiefs appointed nearly two years ago replaced without clear justification.
Abdullahi noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, promoted just last year, was among those removed, raising questions about the rationale behind the decision.
“While the President has the constitutional authority to make such changes, Nigerians deserve to know the real reasons for this shake-up,” he said.
The ADC warned that the sweeping changes could destabilise the military and fuel public suspicion, particularly as the dismissals followed closely on the heels of coup rumours.
The party criticised the government’s vague response to these speculations, stating it has left citizens confused and anxious.
“Transparency is crucial to maintaining trust,” Abdullahi stressed, adding that the lack of clarity risks igniting conspiracy theories.
The opposition party also accused the Tinubu administration of losing focus on pressing security challenges, with insurgency and banditry continuing to ravage parts of the country.
The ADC highlighted the need for stability, pointing to recent political turmoil in neighbouring Chad and other Sahel nations as a cautionary tale.
“As an opposition party, our priority is the peace and security of Nigeria,” the statement read.
The ADC urged the government to reassure the public that the nation’s democracy remains robust and to address the underlying issues driving insecurity.
Nigerians, the party said, deserve answers to ensure confidence in the nation’s leadership during these uncertain times.
