President Bola Tinubu has been urged by the African Democratic Congress(ADC) to reveal the true causes of the nation’s service chiefs’ sudden dismissal.
This comes amid growing doubts about the stability of his administration, the party claims that Nigerians should have access to transparency.
The ADC said in a statement released on Friday by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, that although the President, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, has the constitutional authority to make such changes, the timing—following widespread rumours of a coup attempt—demands transparency and clear communication.
However, rumours linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations to a purported coup attempt by certain military officers were promptly rejected by the Defence Headquarters as malicious and inaccurate.
“We acknowledge that the President reserves the power to make such changes as he may deem fit.
“However, we are somewhat concerned that this change is coming in the wake of widespread rumours of an attempted coup,” the ADC said.
The opposition party criticised the Federal Government’s “confusing and evasive” handling of the matter, claiming that instead of giving residents clarity, it was sending conflicting messages.
“The reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity,” Abdullahi stated.
Additionally, the ADC noted that the departing Chief of Defence Staff had only been Chief of Army Staff for a year, and several of the impacted service chiefs had just been appointed approximately 28 months prior.
It contended that there are probably significant underlying causes for such drastic shifts in the military hierarchy.
“This kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons,” the party said.
In light of recent political upheavals in adjacent countries, the ADC stressed that its concerns were centred on maintaining national stability and safeguarding democratic government.
The ADC accused the Tinubu administration of being preoccupied while insecurity continues to rise throughout the country, criticising what it called the government’s misdirected priorities.
“Insecurity continues to spread, with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in others.
“But this is not the reason the government is changing the service chiefs. Instead, the administration’s attention appears fully focused on regime politics rather than securing the lives of Nigerians,” the statement read.
Reiterating its call for transparency, the ADC urged the Federal Government to explain its decision clearly and reassure Nigerians that the nation’s democracy remains stable.
“We therefore reiterate our earlier position that the Federal Government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat,” the party said.
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