Tinubu under fire for sacking service chiefs

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain to Nigerians the real reasons behind what it described as a “sudden and surprising overhaul” of the nation’s military leadership.

The opposition party’s demand comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s dismissal of most of the Service Chiefs he appointed nearly two years ago.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern that the major reshuffle followed widespread rumours of an attempted coup.

Abdullahi noted that while the President has the constitutional power to appoint or remove military leaders, the timing of the decision raises serious questions about the administration’s transparency.

He said the government’s vague and inconsistent response to the coup rumours has only deepened public confusion.

“Many of the dismissed officers had not even completed three years in office, and the Chief of Defence Staff was promoted barely a year ago,” Abdullahi said. “This sweeping change risks destabilising the military and unsettling the chain of command.”

The party also accused the Tinubu administration of losing focus on urgent national security concerns, pointing out that insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping continue to escalate across several regions.

“The government owes Nigerians a clear and honest explanation for this decision,” the statement added. “Anything short of full disclosure will only fuel suspicion and conspiracy theories among citizens.”

The ADC warned that abrupt changes in military leadership could send the wrong signals both within and outside the country, urging the government to reassure Nigerians that democracy remains stable and protected.

“As an opposition party, our concern is the peace and stability of Nigeria,” Abdullahi said. “The crises in Chad and other Sahel countries should remind us of the dangers of political complacency and lack of focus in times of insecurity.”