Tinubu Prioritising Politics Over Security, Governance — Reps Minority Caucus
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of focusing more on political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections than on addressing Nigeria’s worsening security and economic challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi expressed concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation, rising economic hardship, and what he described as growing threats to democratic participation.
The lawmakers cited the recent killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in captivity, the continued abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, and ongoing political and judicial controversies affecting opposition parties as evidence of the government’s misplaced priorities.
Agbedi questioned the state of national security, arguing that if a retired senior military officer could be kidnapped and killed, ordinary citizens face even greater risks.
The caucus also highlighted the deaths of several serving military officers in anti-insurgency operations and the increasing targeting of traditional rulers by kidnappers and armed groups across the country.
According to the lawmakers, insecurity has expanded beyond traditional flashpoints in the North-East and North-West, with incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks now affecting other regions previously considered relatively safe.
They called on the Federal Government to urgently implement a comprehensive security strategy, strengthen intelligence gathering, improve the welfare of security personnel, and enhance coordination among security agencies.
While acknowledging past military gains against insurgents, Agbedi maintained that the current security approach lacks direction and has allowed criminal elements to regroup and widen their operations.
The caucus also condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing it as a stark reminder of the growing threat to education and public safety.
On the political front, the minority lawmakers alleged that recent developments involving opposition parties and conflicting court rulings appeared aimed at weakening political rivals and undermining democratic competition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Agbedi further accused the government of interfering in the opposition space through institutional and legal mechanisms, including obstacles to political alliances and the registration of new parties.
The caucus urged the Tinubu administration to concentrate on tackling insecurity and economic hardship rather than engaging in actions that could erode democratic participation and public confidence in governance.
