ADC blames Tinubu for rising insecurity, reacts to Trump’s Nigeria designation

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what it described as the government’s failure to protect lives and address worsening insecurity across Nigeria.

The party’s reaction followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s October 31 designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to escalating violence and human rights issues.

In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the move by the U.S. underscores global concern about the sanctity of human life and the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens.

The party lamented that nearly 15,000 Nigerians have reportedly lost their lives to violent attacks since Tinubu assumed office in 2023, noting that insecurity has spread across all regions and religions.

It said entire communities have been destroyed while bandits and terrorists continue to operate freely.

“The problem of insecurity in Nigeria did not start with President Tinubu, but he has refused to acknowledge that it has worsened under his watch,” the statement read.

“Instead, Nigerians are met with excuses, silence, and political posturing that mock the tragedy of victims and their families.”

The ADC accused the Tinubu administration of neglecting foreign policy and weakening Nigeria’s global standing, citing the government’s failure to appoint ambassadors to key countries two years into its tenure.

According to the party, “Nigeria has declined both as a continental and regional leader, as shown by the fracturing of ECOWAS and the country’s diminishing influence in Africa.”

The ADC proposed several measures, including a total overhaul of the national security architecture, immediate appointment of ambassadors, foreign policy reset focused on national interest, and urgent economic reforms to ease citizens’ suffering.

While commending President Trump and other world leaders for their concern, the party urged international partners to support Nigeria’s democratic development rather than threaten military intervention.

“Nigeria is not beyond saving, but time is running out.

“We must act now with courage and a commitment to protect every Nigerian life,” the ADC concluded.