The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide a clear explanation for the sudden dismissal of the country’s Service Chiefs, saying the move has fueled speculation and unease within the security sector.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party noted that although the President has the constitutional authority to appoint and remove service chiefs, the timing of the reshuffle, coming amid rumours of an attempted coup, demands transparency.
“While we acknowledge that the President, as Commander-in-Chief, reserves the power to make such changes as he deems fit, we are concerned that this decision comes in the wake of widespread rumours of an attempted coup,” the statement read.
The ADC expressed dismay that most of the officers affected by the changes were appointed less than two years ago.
“Nearly all the Service Chiefs who have been removed were appointed only about 28 months ago, and the current Chief of Defence Staff himself was elevated just a year ago from Chief of Army Staff,” the party noted.
“Such sweeping changes carry serious implications for military stability and therefore must have strong justification.”
The ADC said the Federal Government owes Nigerians a “categorical and transparent explanation” to dispel rumours and protect democratic confidence.
“The government’s reaction to the coup rumours has been inconsistent and confusing, when clarity was most needed,” the statement said.
The opposition party further warned that the shake-up could deepen public anxiety rather than calm it.
“This kind of near wholesale change in the leadership of the armed forces, if not well explained, will only encourage more speculation and conspiracy theories,” it added.
Citing worsening insecurity across the country, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of losing focus on national security priorities.
“Insecurity continues to spread, terrorists are regrouping in some regions, while bandits dominate others. Yet, this change in military leadership does not appear to be about improving security. Instead, it seems driven by regime politics,” the statement said.
