The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give Nigerians a clear explanation for what it described as the “sudden and surprising overhaul” of the country’s military leadership.
The demand follows Tinubu’s recent dismissal of several Service Chiefs, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, less than two years after their appointments.
In a statement released by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, the party said while the President has the constitutional right to reshuffle the military, the timing of the move—coming shortly after rumours of an attempted coup—raises “serious concerns.”
“The government’s reaction to the coup rumours was neither clear nor reassuring. Now, this sweeping change in the military hierarchy without explanation only deepens public suspicion,” Abdullahi said.
The party warned that the abrupt replacements could unsettle the military and disrupt internal cohesion, especially since some of the affected officers had served for less than three years.
The ADC accused the administration of losing focus on key security challenges, noting that insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings continue to spread across the country despite promises of reform.
“The government owes Nigerians a full and honest account of what led to this decision. Transparency is crucial to preventing dangerous conspiracy theories and maintaining public trust,” the statement added.
The ADC further cautioned that political instability in neighbouring Chad and other Sahel nations should serve as a warning to Nigeria to prioritize peace and stability over political maneuvering.
