The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent pardon of convicted drug traffickers, describing the action as a “pathetic” misuse of presidential powers and a blow to Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said granting presidential clemency to dozens of individuals convicted of serious offences such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and gun running, is “a national disgrace” and undermines the credibility of the country’s justice system.
“This act amounts to an irresponsible abuse of the power of mercy,” the party said, “especially as many of those pardoned had served less than two years for offences carrying life sentences.”
The party questioned the rationale behind such clemency, arguing that it does not meet the criteria of social utility, correction of judicial errors, or rehabilitation.
Instead, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of setting a dangerous precedent that may embolden criminals and diminish the efforts of frontline agencies battling drug trafficking and related crimes.
“What does Nigeria stand to gain by pardoning traffickers who barely served their time?” the statement read.
“This sends a troubling message that all it takes to escape justice is to ‘show remorse’ and acquire a few vocational skills.”
The ADC reminded the public that Nigeria remains a major transit point for illicit drugs and is grappling with a serious internal drug crisis, with reports indicating that drug use in the country is at 14.4%, almost triple the global average of 5.5%.
“Our security agencies, particularly the NDLEA, have risked their lives dismantling drug networks, arresting and prosecuting offenders,” Abdullahi noted.
“Granting mass pardons mocks their sacrifices and weakens our legal and moral stance against narcotics.”
The opposition party warned that the implications of such clemency go beyond Nigeria’s borders, potentially damaging the country’s international reputation and partnerships in global anti-narcotics efforts.
“This move paints Nigeria as soft on drug crime and may be interpreted as official sympathy for traffickers. It sends the wrong message to global partners that Nigeria is becoming a safe haven for drug offenders,” the statement added.
The ADC further accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu of eroding the moral fabric of governance and trivialising serious crimes.
“With this mass amnesty for drug offenders, the Tinubu administration is dangerously redefining morality and justice in Nigeria. We are becoming a nation where even the gravest crimes come with only minor consequences—if any.”
The party concluded by reaffirming its mission to challenge what it sees as growing impunity under the APC-led government.
“The ADC remains committed to rescuing Nigeria from a ruling party that values power over accountability, and impunity over justice,” Abdullahi stated.
