The African Democratic Congress (ADC) along with a coalition of notable Nigerians has issued a warning that the country is on the verge of a security breakdown, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement emergency measures and form a national security task force.
In a collective statement endorsed by Osita Chidoka, Frank Nweke Jnr, Kadaria Ahmed, Tonye Cole, Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Sergius Ogun, Ismaeel Ahmed, Sam Amadi, Opeyemi Adamolekun, and others, the coalition condemned the extent of the killings, referencing Amnesty International’s data which indicates that Nigeria has experienced 10,217 violent deaths in the last two years. They highlighted that this level of bloodshed is comparable to civilian casualties in global conflict areas such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria.
The statement revealed that Benue State has seen 6,896 fatalities and over 450,000 individuals displaced, while Plateau has recorded 2,630 deaths, and more than 600 villages have been devastated in Zamfara. It also pointed to the resurgence of Boko Haram in the North East and ongoing violence perpetrated by armed groups in the South East.
“The Nigerian state has relinquished its exclusive right to the legitimate use of force,” the coalition asserted. “What started as local disputes has evolved into sectarian conflicts and criminal territories, exacerbated by weapons, poverty, and a lack of accountability.”
The coalition advocated for the establishment of a time-sensitive, independent, and results-oriented Presidential Task Force endowed with exceptional authority to coordinate security agencies, disarm armed factions, reintegrate displaced individuals, and provide quarterly public updates to restore public trust.
It cautioned against ethnic scapegoating, emphasizing that the perpetrators originate from diverse communities throughout the nation. “This is a Nigerian issue with Nigerian identities. Justice must remain impartial to identity,” the statement emphasized.
Drawing on global instances from Rwanda, Colombia, and Northern Ireland, the coalition urged political, traditional, and religious leaders to face difficult realities and foster a consensus for peace.
“Nigeria is precariously positioned,” the statement cautioned. “History will not hold the bandits accountable. It will evaluate us, those who possessed the authority to safeguard, and either embraced this moment or recoiled from it.”
IN A SIMILAR FASHION, the African Democratic Congress condemned the ongoing international travels of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and urged for a state of emergency in Zamfara and Katsina states in light of a series of assaults that have resulted in over 140 fatalities within two months.
The party reported that numerous worshippers and villagers lost their lives in Katsina, characterizing the situation as further proof of Nigeria’s disintegrated security framework.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC urged President Tinubu to cease his “jet-setting around the globe” and promptly declare a state of emergency in the impacted states.
The party also criticized the decision of PDP governors to convene a political meeting in Zamfara just days after numerous individuals were killed there, labeling the move as callous.
“The African Democratic Congress is profoundly appalled and alarmed by the recent massacre in Malumfashi Local Council of Katsina State, where 30 worshippers were gunned down in a mosque during dawn prayers, and 20 villagers were incinerated in their residences,” the statement articulated.
“This heinous act encapsulates the atrocities that Nigerians have been compelled to suffer under this administration. It also serves as a stark testament to the complete disintegration of our national security framework, which has even led the nation’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to advise citizens to learn self-defense.
“The bloodshed in Katsina follows the recent murders in Zamfara, where 47 individuals were killed, including 38 hostages who were executed despite ransom being paid. Furthermore, just this month, at least 45 more Nigerians have been slain in Zamfara, with entire communities pillaged, and dozens taken captive.”
The ADC reported that more than 140 Nigerians were killed within a span of two months across the two states.
“It is disheartening to observe that rather than addressing these pressing national tragedies with the seriousness they warrant, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to travel around the globe, seeking photo opportunities, while his citizens are perishing in large numbers at home. We would like to remind Mr. President that international diplomacy holds no value if safety and security cannot be assured domestically.
“It is equally distressing to point out that President Tinubu has failed to issue a direct message of condolence to the families of the victims or provide assurances of safety to those who remain alive. Such negligence would be unimaginable in the countries that the President frequently visits.” Family vacation packages
The party has called for an immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Katsina and Zamfara “until the government can effectively halt the ongoing bloodshed in these regions and restore some semblance of order.”
Additionally, it has demanded a reassessment of Nigeria’s security framework, stating: “The recent appeal by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) for citizens to learn self-defence skills is perhaps the clearest indication yet that a comprehensive reevaluation of the internal defence system is necessary.”
Regarding the PDP governors’ meeting in Zamfara, the party remarked: “Instead of uniting to support their beleaguered colleague in efforts to cease the rampant killings, the governors opted to conduct a political rally at the site of mass murder, even at the cost of disrespecting the memory of the victims. The images of PDP governors adorned in ceremonial attire, smiling for the cameras, are entirely inappropriate in a setting still permeated with blood and grief.
“This singular act further emphasizes a crucial reality: neither the ruling APC nor the irreparably compromised PDP are concerned about the populace and their suffering. Their focus is solely on power and political maneuvering.
IN THE MEANTIME, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified its preparations for the 2027 general elections, organizing a series of meetings this week aimed at bolstering its stance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the weekend, PDP governors convened under the Governors’ Forum in Gusau to discuss plans for the national convention scheduled for November 15–16 in Ibadan, as well as other strategies to realign the party.
Yesterday evening, the National Working Committee (NWC) conducted a private meeting at the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters, in anticipation of its 102nd National Executive Committee (NEC) session set for Monday, August 25.
Party officials indicated that the meeting focused on the presentation of the zoning committee’s report, led by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri. This report, which is believed to have been submitted to the NWC via the National Secretary, details recommendations regarding the distribution of national offices.
Attendees of the meeting included the acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum, National Publicity Secretary, Debo Olugunagba, along with the National Secretary, National Youth Leader, National Treasurer, National Organising Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Legal Adviser, among others.
Significant agenda items encompassed reports from committees chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri concerning the upcoming convention and Governor Diri regarding zoning arrangements, in addition to discussions on potential disciplinary measures against Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, due to his public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu.
The party’s national caucus, which includes the Board of Trustees, governors, and other essential stakeholders, also convened at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja to decide which zones will produce the next set of party leaders and to resolve internal conflicts.
Today, the Board of Trustees, presided over by Senator Adolphus Wabara, will gather prior to the NEC session, where the adoption of the zoning report is anticipated to be the primary focus.
