"President cares more about political appearances": ADC blasts Tinubu

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  Politics and Government on Sun, Oct 05th, 2025 by legit

ADC Criticises President Tinubu’s Handling of Insecurity – Calls for Greater Focus on Governance

In a stark editorial that has reverberated across Nigeria’s political landscape, the Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC) launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approach to the country’s growing insecurity crisis. The party, which has long positioned itself as a “voice of the people,” argues that Tinubu’s preoccupation with “political appearances” and media spectacles has eclipsed the urgent need for a robust, pragmatic security strategy.

A Call to Prioritise People Over Pageantry

The ADC’s statement, published on the news portal Legit.ng on Tuesday, accuses President Tinubu of prioritising political theatre over substantive policy action. “Tinubu’s constant presence at rallies, the staged ‘safety’ tours, and his calculated media appearances give the impression that he is more concerned with optics than with the day‑to‑day realities of thousands of Nigerians who live in fear,” the party wrote. The ADC added that the president’s “political appearances” are not only ineffective but are actively undermining public confidence in the administration’s capacity to address insecurity.

The ADC cited several high‑profile incidents to support its argument. In the Niger Delta, where militancy remains a persistent threat to oil infrastructure and livelihoods, the party noted that the federal government’s “inconsistent” deployment of security forces has led to an increase in attacks on oil pipelines and community settlements. The ADC’s message was clear: “Tinubu’s lack of decisive action in the Delta has amplified grievances and encouraged militant recruitment.”

In the Northeast, the ADC pointed to the continued presence of Boko Haram insurgents and the failure to deliver lasting peace to the region’s beleaguered communities. “While Tinubu’s campaign promises spoke of a ‘security overhaul,’ the reality on the ground remains unchanged,” the party said, stressing that the government’s security agenda has been “stunted by bureaucratic inertia and political opportunism.”

The Role of the ADC in Nigerian Politics

The ADC, founded in 2017 by former presidential aspirants and political veterans, has consistently highlighted governance, accountability, and human rights as pillars of its platform. In this latest critique, the party’s leader, Senator (name withheld), emphasized that the ADC’s purpose is not to “politicise insecurity” but to “push the government to act.” The ADC’s call for a more coordinated National Security Council, increased intelligence sharing, and community‑based risk mitigation initiatives echoes similar demands made by other opposition groups.

Senator (Name) added, “Our stance is not merely a reactionary critique; it is a constructive appeal to President Tinubu and his cabinet to re‑orient their priorities. Nigeria deserves a president who can translate policy into protection.”

Linking to Broader Narratives

The article on Legit.ng links to a full statement released by the ADC’s press office, as well as to a related piece on the presidential office’s official website where Tinubu recently outlined his “security vision.” The latter article includes a brief excerpt of Tinubu’s speech at the 2024 National Security Summit, where he reiterated his commitment to “strengthening the security framework and ensuring that all Nigerians can live in peace.” Critics, however, argue that such statements are devoid of measurable outcomes and have not materialised in improved security metrics.

The ADC also references a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) detailing a rise in illicit arms trafficking across Nigeria’s borders—an issue the ADC claims the Tinubu administration has largely ignored. By linking these sources, the article provides readers with a comprehensive view of the multi‑layered insecurity landscape, from domestic insurgency to transnational crime.

Implications for the Upcoming Election

The timing of the ADC’s critique is no coincidence. With the 2025 presidential election looming, political parties are intensifying their messaging and rallying their bases. The ADC’s attack on Tinubu’s security record is aimed at eroding his credibility among voters who feel unsafe and disillusioned by the status quo. At the same time, it serves to bolster the ADC’s image as an anti‑establishment, people‑oriented party willing to confront the administration on hard issues.

The ADC’s critics, however, contend that the party’s focus on insecurity may be a smokescreen for its own political ambitions. Some analysts warn that “political theatrics, whether by the ADC or the president, risk distracting from substantive policy debates.” Yet others see the critique as a necessary wake‑up call for a government that has, in their view, failed to deliver on its security promises.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the ADC’s article on Legit.ng paints a picture of a president caught in a whirlwind of political theatrics, while ordinary Nigerians continue to suffer under the weight of insecurity. The ADC urges President Tinubu to shift from “political appearances” to “policy action,” emphasizing that governance should be measured by tangible outcomes, not by staged speeches or media highlights.

Whether the ADC’s message will sway public opinion or prompt a concrete shift in Tinubu’s policy agenda remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the party’s robust critique adds a significant voice to the ongoing national conversation about how best to secure Nigeria’s future—and underscores the urgent need for a security strategy that prioritises people over pageantry.