The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to publicly explain the reasons behind his sudden dismissal of Nigeria’s service chiefs, saying the move has sparked widespread speculation about the stability of his administration.
A statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC acknowledges that the President holds constitutional powers to reshuffle the military hierarchy.
However, it warns that the timing, coming immediately after rumours of an attempted coup, calls for openness and clear communication with the public.
The ADC referenced recent denials by the Defence Headquarters, which described as “false and malicious” reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations to a supposed coup plot involving some military officers.
“While we recognise that the President can appoint and remove service chiefs as he deems fit, we are concerned that this change comes on the heels of widespread rumours of an attempted coup,” the statement read.
The party criticised what it called the Federal Government’s “confusing and evasive” response to the situation, accusing it of creating uncertainty rather than clarity.
“The government’s reaction to these dangerous rumours has swung between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion, in a matter that requires transparency and reassurance,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC further noted that some of the removed service chiefs had served for only about two years, while the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff previously held the position of Chief of Army Staff for just one year. An indication, it said, that deeper issues may have prompted the reshuffle.
“Such a decision carries serious implications for morale and stability within the ranks, and could not have been made lightly,” the party added.
Expressing concern for national stability, the ADC warned that abrupt military changes at such a sensitive time could heighten public anxiety and feed conspiracy theories, particularly given recent political upheavals in neighbouring countries.
“As an opposition party, our foremost concern is the stability of Nigeria and the preservation of democracy. In view of the developments across the Sahel and in Chad, we are deeply worried,” the statement says.
The ADC also accused the Tinubu administration of misplaced priorities, saying that while insecurity continues to worsen nationwide with terrorists and bandits regaining ground, the government appears more focused on “regime politics” than on protecting citizens’ lives. Insecurity is spreading, yet the government’s decision to change the service chiefs does not seem driven by the need to address these threats,” the party lamented.
Reiterating its demand for accountability, the ADC called on the Federal Government to offer a clear explanation for the shake-up and reassure Nigerians that the country’s democracy remains secure.
“We therefore restate our call for transparency. The government must come clean on this matter and affirm that Nigeria’s democracy is not under any form of threat,” the statement concluded.
