The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to provide Nigerians with a clear and honest explanation for what it described as the “sudden and unsettling” removal of the nation’s service chiefs.
The opposition party’s demand comes after the President dismissed several top military officers he appointed nearly two years ago, a move that has triggered widespread speculation and public unease.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC noted that while the President reserves the constitutional right to reorganise the military leadership, the timing of this decision has raised serious concerns.
Abdullahi pointed out that the shake-up came shortly after unconfirmed reports of an attempted coup, yet the government’s response to those rumours was vague and left citizens confused. He argued that such silence from the Presidency only fuels unnecessary suspicion and undermines confidence in the administration’s transparency.
“The removal of senior officers who had served barely three years, including a Chief of Defence Staff promoted just last year, sends worrying signals to the armed forces,” Abdullahi stated. “This abrupt overhaul, without proper explanation, could disrupt stability within the military and dampen morale.”
The ADC also criticised what it called the government’s “distracted approach” to tackling insecurity, noting that insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping continue to worsen across the country.
According to the party, Nigerians deserve full disclosure on the reasons for the sweeping changes to ensure public trust and safeguard the stability of the nation’s democracy.
“As an opposition party, our priority remains Nigeria’s peace and stability,” Abdullahi said. “The government must act with clarity and foresight. Recent developments in the Sahel region should serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of political misjudgement in times of national insecurity.”
The party further warned that failure to communicate openly with citizens could deepen mistrust, invite conspiracy theories, and undermine the cohesion of both the military and the wider society.
