The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to either demonstrate strong leadership in tackling the nation's escalating insecurity and economic challenges or step down from office. The caucus accused the administration of focusing on political maneuvers for the 2027 general elections rather than addressing pressing national issues.
Minority Leader's Statement
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja, Minority Leader Hon. Fred Agbedi highlighted that Nigeria is currently grappling with a perilous mix of insecurity, economic distress, and attempts to undermine opposition parties ahead of the next elections. He described the situation as a threat to the nation's stability.
Condemnation of Major General's Killing
The caucus strongly condemned the murder of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in captivity, labeling it a "national shame" and a clear indicator of the deteriorating security landscape. Agbedi noted that the abduction and death of a high-ranking retired military officer underscores that no Nigerian is safe, irrespective of their status or past service to the country.
Demand for Security Strategy
The minority lawmakers urged President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, to formulate a clear and effective strategy to combat insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements operating across Nigeria. They expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State and called for an immediate rescue operation. Agbedi emphasized that every hour the victims remain in captivity represents "an hour stolen from Nigeria's future."
"From Sokoto to Enugu, from Borno to Lagos, the story is the same: hunger, killings, kidnappings, collapse of the naira, collapse of hope. Yet what preoccupies the ruling party and the Presidency is 2027. Endorsement rallies. Defections. Re-election strategies. Town hall meetings to discuss tenure security," Agbedi stated.
He added, "The life of every Nigerian matters. Politics must take the back seat when the nation bleeds. We must secure Nigeria first. Government exists primarily for the security and welfare of the people. Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution is not a suggestion. It is a mandate."
Criticism of Court Ruling
On the political front, the Minority Caucus criticized a recent Federal High Court judgment that ordered the deregistration of five opposition political parties. They described the decision as a threat to democratic pluralism and alleged that it was designed to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. The lawmakers accused unnamed political actors of attempting to manipulate democratic institutions for partisan advantage.
While commending the Court of Appeal for staying the execution of the judgment, the caucus urged the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to safeguard Nigeria's democratic process.
Economic Concerns
The opposition lawmakers also lamented the worsening economic conditions, citing rising hardship, insecurity, and declining public confidence in the government. They accused the ruling party of focusing on defections, endorsements, and re-election plans while many Nigerians struggle with hunger and insecurity.
Demands and Ultimatum
As part of its demands, the caucus called for an immediate overhaul of the nation's security architecture, improved welfare for security personnel, a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding General Abubakar's death, and urgent intervention by the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address conflicting court rulings on political party registration.
The lawmakers also urged the President to suspend all activities related to the 2027 elections and instead implement a six-month national security and economic recovery plan. "President Bola Tinubu must suspend all 2027 political activities and declare a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan. Lead or leave," Agbedi declared.
The caucus pledged to continue using legislative mechanisms to hold the government accountable and insisted that the outcome of the 2027 elections should be determined by Nigerians rather than political influence or judicial decisions.
