ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s minority caucus in the House of Representatives on Wednesday issued a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of failing to tackle worsening insecurity, economic hardship and threats to democratic institutions while focusing on political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.
Minority Leader Fred Agbedi told reporters at the National Assembly that the country was facing one of its most difficult periods since the return to democracy in 1999. He cited rising poverty, persistent insecurity and growing public frustration, declaring: “Nigeria is bleeding, Nigeria is confused, and Nigeria is being deliberately pushed to the brink by a government that has elevated 2027 electioneering above the lives and welfare of citizens.”
The lawmakers pointed to the recent death of retired Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted with his wife in Katsina State and later died in captivity, as a tragic symbol of Nigeria’s deteriorating security. They called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, warning that if a senior military officer could be kidnapped and killed, ordinary citizens were even more vulnerable.
The caucus also highlighted ongoing kidnappings of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, drawing parallels to past mass abductions that have raised concerns about the safety of schools despite government initiatives. They demanded immediate rescue operations and a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including better welfare for personnel and improved intelligence gathering.
Beyond security, the lawmakers expressed alarm over a Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of five opposition parties, saying it threatened political pluralism and raised questions about the health of Nigeria’s democracy. They warned that such judicial decisions could undermine confidence in democratic institutions ahead of future elections.
Nigeria’s challenges resonate internationally, as the country is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation. Persistent insecurity, including kidnappings and insurgent attacks, has implications for regional stability and foreign investment. Analysts say the opposition’s criticism reflects growing pressure on Tinubu’s government to deliver tangible improvements in governance three years into his presidency.
Civil society groups and democracy advocates are expected to monitor both the security situation and judicial developments closely. The minority caucus urged Tinubu, as commander-in-chief, to present a clear security strategy, insisting that silence or political distraction would only deepen Nigeria’s crisis.
The government has yet to formally respond to the caucus’s statement, but officials have previously defended ongoing military operations and economic reforms as necessary steps toward long-term stability. The opposition insists that Nigerians cannot wait for promises, arguing that urgent action is needed to restore public confidence.
