Tinubu’s drug pardon is a blow to Nigeria’s anti-narcotics war

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant presidential pardons to dozens of convicted drug dealers and smugglers, describing the act as a “national disgrace” and a betrayal of Nigeria’s anti-drug war.

In a scathing statement issued on Sunday by National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of “irresponsible use” of its merciful presidential prerogative, and said the move undermined law enforcement efforts and damaged Nigeria’s international credibility.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) considers the recent act of presidential pardon and pardon granted to several convicted criminals by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as deplorable and an act of great national shame,” Abdullahi said.

The party questioned the criteria behind the decision, revealing that most of those granted pardon had served sentences of less than two years for offenses that could have resulted in life imprisonment.

“It is a highly irresponsible use of the president’s prerogative to grant unequivocal pardons to dozens of convicts detained for drug trafficking, smuggling and related offences, especially when most of these convicts have just served two years in prison for offenses that carry a sentence of life imprisonment,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC rejected the government’s justification that amnestied convicts had shown remorse and acquired skills while in prison, arguing that these reasons fell short of the pardon standards expected.

“Forgiveness and pardon are granted on the basis of social benefit and to correct errors in the administration of justice, and to prisoners who have paid their debt to society. But we wonder what benefit Nigeria can gain from granting pardon to prisoners serving life sentences and who have just served two years in prison,” the party said.

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Noting wider ramifications, the ADC said the presidential decision could demoralize the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies who risk their lives every day to fight drug-related crimes.

“Granting clemency to individuals convicted under the law challenges Nigeria’s legal and moral stance against narcotics and could undermine officials’ efforts to combat illegal drugs,” Abdullahi said.

The party further warned that the move sends a dangerous signal at a time when the prevalence of drug use in Nigeria – estimated at 14.4 percent – ​​is almost three times the global average, and described the decision as reckless and ill-timed.

“This pardon sends a signal abroad. It could affect our standing among global partners in fighting drug trafficking and create the impression that our country is not fully committed to the global anti-drug campaign,” ADC added.

Calling the move a setback for justice and accountability, the ADC urged the Federal Government to exercise greater restraint in exercising presidential power to grant pardons, and stressed that such decisions must be in line with the principles of justice, transparency and national interest.

“We call on the government to uphold transparency, accountability and the rule of law in exercising these sensitive powers,” Abdullahi said.

Reiterating its stance, ADC stated that it will continue to advocate for justice, integrity and responsible governance in Nigeria’s democratic process.