By Ahmed Yusuf
ABUJA — The All Progressives Congress (APC) and major opposition parties have traded words over growing calls for President Bola Tinubu to suspend political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections and concentrate on tackling Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.
The controversy followed a statement by the minority caucus of the House of Representatives, which urged the President to either provide decisive leadership in addressing insecurity and economic hardship or step aside.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi said Nigeria was facing one of its most difficult periods since the return to democratic rule in 1999, citing persistent insecurity, rising poverty and growing public frustration.
Agbedi called on the President to halt all political activities related to the 2027 elections and implement a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan to address the nation’s pressing challenges.
Nigeria has battled insecurity for more than two decades, particularly in the northern region, where insurgent groups, bandits and other criminal networks have caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions. Despite efforts by security agencies to neutralise and prosecute perpetrators, attacks have continued and spread to parts of southern Nigeria.
Several opposition parties backed the position of the minority lawmakers, arguing that the Federal Government had not done enough to improve security and economic conditions.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the lawmakers’ position reflected the frustrations of many Nigerians. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the administration of failing to effectively address insecurity.
According to him, recent attacks, including the reported assault on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Jos, exposed weaknesses in the country’s security architecture.
Similarly, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, said the President should seek broader support in tackling the nation’s challenges or step aside if unable to resolve them.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) also endorsed the lawmakers’ position. Its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, argued that the administration had failed to fulfil its constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of Nigerians.
Aiyenigba compared the current situation with criticisms Tinubu levelled against former President Goodluck Jonathan while in opposition, stating that the APC administration was now facing similar scrutiny.
The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) also expressed support for the minority caucus’ proposal for a six-month national security and economic recovery plan.
NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Abdulmumin Abdulsalam described the proposal as timely and necessary, insisting that insecurity had reached a level requiring urgent and coordinated intervention.
He argued that security challenges should not be left solely to the executive arm of government, noting that all institutions and stakeholders had a role to play in restoring safety across the country.
However, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), cautioned against linking insecurity to the suspension of elections or political campaigns.
Osigwe maintained that democratic processes should continue despite security concerns, stressing that election campaigns provide opportunities for citizens to evaluate leaders and hold them accountable.
“Campaign periods allow voters to assess candidates and their records, particularly on issues of security and governance,” he said, adding that elections serve as a referendum on leadership performance.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) also distanced itself from calls for the President to “lead or leave,” declaring that it did not support such demands.
Reacting to the opposition’s position, APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim dismissed calls for Tinubu’s resignation as irresponsible and politically motivated.
According to him, the President remains committed to addressing insecurity and reviving the economy, while security and economic challenges are not unique to Nigeria.
Ibrahim cited countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom as examples of nations grappling with security and economic pressures, insisting that such challenges do not amount to state failure.
“The President is providing the necessary leadership in tackling insecurity and revamping the economy. He is focused on governance, not 2027 politics,” Ibrahim said.
He described claims that Nigeria was drifting towards a failed state as misleading and urged political actors to contribute constructively toward solving national problems rather than deepening divisions.
The APC spokesman maintained that both the government and the ruling party were implementing measures to restore security and economic stability, stressing that all stakeholders must work together to confront the nation’s challenges.
The exchange highlights growing political tensions over the state of security and governance in the country as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 general elections.
