Opposition lawmakers accused Tinubu’s government of neglecting security and the economy

Opposition members in the House of Representatives have launched a blistering attack on President Bola Tinubu’s government, accusing it of failing to stem the tide of insecurity, worsening economic hardship and growing threats to democratic governance.

The lawmakers, who operate under the minority caucus in the House of Representatives, also alleged that political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections takes precedence over governance, even as millions of Nigerians grapple with hardship and insecurity.

Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, House Minority Leader Fred Agbedi painted a grim picture of the state of the country, and described the current situation as one of the most challenging periods since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

“Nigeria is bleeding, Nigeria is confused, and Nigeria is being deliberately pushed to the brink by a government that is putting the 2027 elections ahead of the lives and well-being of its citizens,” Agbedi said.

He explained that the opposition caucus chose to address the nation because remaining silent in the face of mounting national challenges would be ignoring its responsibilities.

According to him, the lawmakers gathered “with heavy hearts but with an unwavering determination to speak truth to power,” and affirmed that Nigerians deserve honest conversations about the direction of their country.

The main focus of the briefing was the recent death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly kidnapped with his wife in Katsina State before dying in captivity.

The caucus described the incident as an ominous symbol of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.

“That a Nigerian Army General, who once commanded troops and defended this country, was kidnapped along with his wife and then declared dead under unclear circumstances is a serious indictment of a failed state. This is a national shame,” Agbedi added.

The lawmakers noted that the tragedy occurred against the backdrop of repeated attacks carried out by terrorists, bandits and criminal gangs in several regions of the country.

Questioning the effectiveness of current security measures, Agbedi asked: “If a General is not safe within the borders of our country, then who exactly is safe?

He also regretted the vulnerability of traditional institutions and community leaders who were increasingly being targeted by criminal groups.

“Our security is in danger. However, the political class is busy rehearsing new political dance steps, which seems to be unmolested,” he added.

The caucus challenged President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, to unveil a clear and comprehensive strategy capable of addressing the country’s increasing security threats.

“In this period of our nation’s long struggle against the insurgents, victory is near, especially with the presence of mercenaries on the front lines. Currently, no one knows for sure what the strategy will be, if any,” Agbedi said.

The lawmakers also advocated sweeping reforms, including better welfare packages for security personnel, stronger intelligence capabilities and restructuring of the country’s security framework.

The opposition caucus expressed concern over the continued kidnapping of students and teachers in Oyo State, and described the situation as another painful indicator of the government’s inability to adequately protect citizens.

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“Today, the kidnapped schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State are still being held hostage. Their crime? Going to school in Nigeria,” Agbedi said.

Lawmakers urged security agencies to launch coordinated rescue efforts, and warned that prolonged detention could expose victims to greater danger.

The caucus also criticized recent developments in the judiciary, particularly the Federal High Court’s decision ordering the deregistration of five opposition political parties.

Agbedi argued that the decision raises troubling concerns about democratic freedoms and political competition ahead of the upcoming elections.

“This decision, issued just months after the country’s general elections and following a Court of Appeal decision on the same issue, is not intended to provide justice. Rather, it appears to be a deliberate tactic to create judicial chaos that is being used as a weapon to destabilize the government,” he said.

The Bayelsa lawmaker described the decision as “a crime taken too far,” and warned that it could weaken political pluralism and undermine democratic participation.

He further questioned why information reportedly provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission stating that the affected parties had fulfilled legal requirements through previous election wins was allegedly ignored.

Lawmakers also accused authorities of putting up barriers against emerging opposition groups and political alliances.

“From external manipulation and executive interference that keeps old political structures polarized, to attempts to bypass new alliances through institutional barriers, such as the refusal to register new political parties, the entire aim is to exclude all credible opposition from the 2027 elections,” Agbedi said.

While commending the intervention of the Court of Appeal in stopping the implementation of the decision, the caucus urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in defending democratic values.

Turning to economic issues, the lawmakers said Nigerians were experiencing severe hardship characterized by inflation, rising food prices and falling purchasing power.

They argue that major economic reforms, including the elimination of fuel subsidies and liberalization of the exchange rate, have placed a heavy burden on society in the absence of adequate protection.

“From Sokoto to Enugu, from Borno to Lagos, the story is the same: famine, murder, kidnapping, falling naira, collapsing hopes,” Agbedi added.

Opposition lawmakers accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of being more focused on political survival than governance.

“But what concerns the ruling party and the Presidency are demonstrations of support in 2027, defections, re-election strategies and town hall meetings to discuss tenure security,” he said.

They challenged President Tinubu to put aside electoral calculations and concentrate on solving the nation’s pressing problems.

“President Tinubu must cease all political activities by 2027 and declare a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan,” urging him to “Lead or leave.”

As part of its recommendations, the caucus demanded “an independent and transparent investigation into the kidnapping and death of Maj. Gen. Abubakar, immediate efforts to secure the release of the kidnapped Oyo schoolchildren and urgent reforms in the security sector.”

The lawmakers also called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address controversies arising from conflicting court decisions involving political parties and urged INEC to safeguard democratic competition ahead of the next election cycle.

Warning against attempts to suppress opposition voices, Agbedi said: “Attempts to kill opposition parties through judicial ambush, to ignore mass killings while pursuing a second term, and to normalize the kidnapping of children is a declaration of war on the Nigerian people.”**

He assured Nigerians that opposition lawmakers would continue to challenge the government through constitutional and parliamentary means.

“We will not be silent. We will not be intimidated. We will use all legislative instruments to hold this government accountable,” he said.

In his direct message to citizens, Agbedi urged Nigerians not to lose faith in democracy despite the current challenges.

“To the people of Nigeria, do not despair. 2027 will not be decided in Aso Rock or by a compromise court. It will be decided by you, the people.

“The opposition parties will support you. The opposition will not be restrained. Nigeria will be saved.”

The briefing was attended by Deputy Minority Leader Abdussamad Dasuki, Minority Whips Mansur Soro and Afam Ogene, as well as other opposition MPs.