The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s decision to dismiss the service chiefs, demanding that the Federal Government explain the true reasons behind the action.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party acknowledged that President Tinubu has the constitutional authority to make such appointments or dismissals but described the development as “sudden,” especially amid growing speculation about an alleged coup attempt in the country.
“Our position remains therefore that the Federal Government owes Nigerians a categorical explanation about what truly happened,” the ADC stated.
“As an opposition political party, our interest remains the stability of our country and our democracy. In the light of developments in our neighbourhood of Chad and the Sahel States, we are gravely concerned,” the statement continued.
On Friday, President Tinubu announced a major shake-up in the nation’s security architecture, removing General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and appointing General Olufemi Oluyede, formerly the Chief of Army Staff, as his replacement. Other new appointees include Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshall S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
The changes came amid reports of a foiled coup and the arrest of some military officers — allegations that the presidency swiftly dismissed as false.
However, the ADC suggested that the administration may have acted out of distraction rather than strategy. “Without prejudice to what might have happened in recent weeks, it is obvious that the Tinubu administration is distracted,” the party said.
“Insecurity continues to spread with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in other regions. But this is not the reason the government is changing the Service Chiefs.”
The ADC further warned that the “near wholesale change in the leadership of the country’s military, if anything, will only further promote rumours and conspiracy theories,” urging the government to communicate transparently with citizens to prevent unnecessary tension.
What You Should Know
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a notable opposition party in Nigeria, has questioned the rationale behind President Tinubu’s abrupt reshuffling of the nation’s top military officers.
The move, which comes amid rumours of a coup attempt, has sparked public curiosity and political debate, with the ADC insisting that Nigerians deserve full transparency on the circumstances surrounding the decision.
