Opposition party, African Democratic Congress, ADC, has reacted to US President Donald Trump designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
The party blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for worsening insecurity and weakening Nigeria’s global standing, saying over 15,000 lives have been lost.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday.
According to the party, thousands of Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity under Tinubu’s watch. Just as it described the situation as a national tragedy that transcends tribe, religion, or region.
It stated, “The statement by President Trump reminds us of the greater global concern about the sanctity of human life and the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens.”
“Sadly, it is in this most sacred mandate that the Tinubu administration has failed most.”
ADC alleged that over 15,000 people have been killed in violent incidents since the President took office in 2023, with attacks spreading across the country.
The party cited the October 31 attack in Kwara State by JNIM, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, as evidence that terrorism has expanded from the northern regions toward the south.
The statement read in part, “The crisis we face is not about any ethnic or religious group being targeted. It is an existential crisis that endangers all Nigerians.”
“The Tinubu government has refused to acknowledge that the situation has worsened, and instead offers excuses and political posturing.”
ADC also accused the administration of neglecting Nigeria’s diplomatic and foreign policy responsibilities, including the failure to appoint ambassadors to key countries more than two years into its tenure.
It said this neglect has eroded Nigeria’s influence within ECOWAS and the African continent.
It stated that “Under President Tinubu, Nigeria has declined both as a continental and regional leader.”
“A region that once looked up to us for leadership now watches us fumble with our own domestic crises.”
Going forward, the party recommended an overhaul of the country’s security apparatus. The immediate appointment of ambassadors, and a foreign policy reset focused on national interests rather than “personal promotion.”
The opposition party also called for economic reforms aimed at stabilizing prices and improving welfare for citizens.
While acknowledging the concerns raised by Trump and other world leaders, the ADC cautioned against foreign military intervention. This is as it warned that such action could harm Nigeria’s democratic development and stability.
It said, “We appreciate the concern of the American President and other world leaders. However, mobilizing armed troops or even threatening to do so would be counterproductive.
“Nigeria is not beyond saving, but time is running out. We must act now with courage and commitment to protect the lives and dignity of every Nigerian.