Opposition members in the House of Representatives have launched a blistering attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of neglecting Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship while focusing on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minority Caucus, led by Minority Leader Fred Agbedi, said the country was experiencing one of its toughest periods since the return to democracy in 1999, with citizens battling rising poverty, kidnappings and widespread frustration.
According to Agbedi, the government has prioritised political calculations over the welfare and safety of Nigerians.
“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,” he declared.
The lawmakers said they chose to speak out because remaining silent in the face of the nation’s mounting challenges would amount to complicity.
Opposition Reps Raise Alarm Over Insecurity
The caucus argued that despite repeated assurances by the Federal Government, Nigerians have seen little improvement in security and living conditions three years into the Tinubu administration.
They cited the recent death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly kidnapped alongside his wife in Katsina State before dying in captivity. The lawmakers described the incident as evidence of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation and called for a transparent investigation.
“That a General of the Nigerian Army, who once commanded troops and defended this nation, could be kidnapped alongside his wife and later declared dead under unclear circumstances is a grave indictment of a failed state. It is a national embarrassment,” Agbedi said.
The lawmakers noted that banditry, terrorism and criminal attacks have continued across the North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-East, affecting civilians, traditional rulers and security personnel.
“If a General is not safe within the borders of our nation, then who truly is?” Agbedi asked.
They also lamented the continued captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, describing the situation as another sign of the government’s inability to protect citizens.
Calls for New Security Strategy
The minority lawmakers urged President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to unveil a comprehensive security strategy and overhaul the country’s security architecture.
According to Agbedi, there was a time when Nigeria appeared close to defeating insurgents, but current efforts lacked direction.
The caucus also demanded improved welfare for security personnel and stronger intelligence gathering to tackle the growing threats across the country.
Concerns Over Judiciary and Opposition Parties
The lawmakers criticised a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five opposition parties, warning that such a move could weaken democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Agbedi argued that the ruling, which came despite an existing Court of Appeal decision, raised concerns about judicial independence and political pluralism.
“This judgment is not intended to serve justice. Instead, it appears to be a deliberate ploy to engender judicial chaos weaponised to destabilise the polity,” he said.
He alleged that opposition parties were increasingly facing institutional barriers, including delays in registering new parties and attempts to frustrate emerging coalitions.
However, the caucus welcomed the Court of Appeal’s intervention, which halted the implementation of the ruling.
Tinubu Government Accused Over Economic Hardship
On the economy, the lawmakers painted a grim picture, saying inflation, soaring food prices and declining purchasing power had plunged millions of Nigerians into hardship.
They argued that the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira had imposed severe burdens on citizens without adequate social protection measures.
“From Sokoto to Enugu, from Borno to Lagos, the story is the same: hunger, killings, kidnappings, collapse of the naira, collapse of hope,” Agbedi said.
The opposition accused the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress of paying more attention to endorsements, defections and re-election strategies than governance.
Opposition Reps Demand Six-Month Recovery Plan
The lawmakers called on President Tinubu to suspend all 2027 political activities and focus on a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan aimed at tackling insecurity and stabilising the economy.
They also demanded:
- A transparent investigation into the abduction and death of Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar.
- Immediate rescue efforts for the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers.
- Urgent reforms within the security sector.
- Intervention by the Chief Justice of Nigeria over conflicting court rulings affecting political parties.
- Protection of democratic competition by INEC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Agbedi warned against attempts to weaken opposition voices through judicial or institutional means, insisting that lawmakers would continue to hold the government accountable.
“We will not be silent. We will not be intimidated. We will use every legislative instrument to hold this government accountable,” he said.
Addressing Nigerians, he urged citizens not to lose faith in democracy, insisting that the outcome of the 2027 elections would ultimately be decided by the people.
“The opposition will not be muscled out. Nigeria will be rescued,” he added.
The briefing was attended by House Minority Whip Mansur Soro, Deputy Minority Leader Abdussamad Dasuki and leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress caucus, Afam Ogene.
