ADC: Nigerians Deserve Answers Over Tinubu’s Sudden Military Purge

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to explain the reasons behind the sudden dismissal of Nigeria’s service chiefs, saying Nigerians deserve full transparency amid growing speculation about the stability of his administration.

In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC acknowledged Tinubu’s constitutional authority to make such appointments but described the timing as “suspicious,” coming shortly after widespread rumours of an attempted coup.

“We acknowledge that the President reserves the power to make such changes as he may deem fit. However, we are somewhat concerned that this change is coming in the wake of widespread rumours of an attempted coup,” the statement read.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier dismissed reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations to any alleged coup plot by military officers, describing such claims as false and malicious.

The ADC, however, faulted what it described as the Federal Government’s “confusing and evasive” response to the rumours, accusing it of deepening uncertainty instead of clarifying matters.

“The reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity,” Abdullahi added.

The opposition party noted that several of the sacked service chiefs had served for barely two years, questioning the motive behind what it called “sweeping changes” within the military hierarchy.

“This kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons,” the ADC stated.

Linking the development to the broader security situation, the party accused the Tinubu administration of losing focus while insecurity continues to worsen across the country.

“Insecurity continues to spread, with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in others. But this is not the reason the government is changing the service chiefs,” the statement said.

The ADC warned that the sudden shake-up could heighten public anxiety and fuel conspiracy theories, urging the Federal Government to provide clarity and restore public confidence.

“This action, if anything, will only further promote rumours and conspiracy theories,” the party warned.

Reaffirming its commitment to national stability, the ADC stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must remain protected amid regional political turbulence.

“In light of developments in our neighbourhood, particularly in Chad and across the Sahel, we are gravely concerned. The Federal Government must address this issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat,” the party concluded.