The abrupt dismissal of Nigeria’s service chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ignited a wave of political scrutiny and public speculation, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) demanding full disclosure of the reasons behind the shake-up.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC acknowledged the President’s constitutional authority to appoint and remove military leaders but insisted that the timing of the decision coming amid rumours of an attempted coup—raises serious concerns about transparency and national stability.
“The reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity,” Abdullahi said, accusing the administration of sending mixed signals to Nigerians rather than calming public anxiety.
The Defence Headquarters has already dismissed as “false and malicious” reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary events to any coup plot, but the ADC insists that the federal government’s opaque communication strategy only fuels suspicion.
Political observers see the ADC’s intervention as a reflection of growing unease within the opposition over Tinubu’s approach to governance and crisis management.
The party argues that many of the sacked service chiefs had served for barely two years, suggesting that such sweeping changes hint at deep-seated issues within the nation’s security hierarchy.
“The decision has far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and could not have been taken without strong reasons,” the ADC maintained, warning that abrupt military reshuffles often unsettle morale and may undermine operational effectiveness.
Drawing attention to worsening insecurity across the country from banditry in the North-West to renewed terrorist attacks in the North-East, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of prioritizing “regime politics” over national security. “While Nigerians are living in fear, the government appears more concerned about internal power dynamics than securing the country,” the statement read.
The opposition party further linked its concern to recent military takeovers in West and Central Africa, including Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso, urging the government to act decisively to protect Nigeria’s democratic order.
As speculation grows, analysts note that Tinubu’s silence on the rationale behind the sackings could erode public trust and embolden conspiracy narratives.
The ADC’s demand for openness, they argue, reflects a broader call for civilian oversight and accountability in a tense political climate.
Reiterating its position, the ADC urged the Federal Government to communicate clearly and reassure citizens that the nation’s democracy remains intact.
“Our interest remains the stability of our country and the preservation of our democracy.
“The government must address this issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat.”
