Opposition lawmakers in Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Wednesday accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to address worsening insecurity, economic hardship and threats to democratic institutions, while focusing instead on political preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a news conference at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, House Minority Leader Fred Agbedi said Nigeria was experiencing one of its most challenging periods since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Agbedi said opposition lawmakers convened the briefing to draw attention to what they described as deteriorating security conditions, rising poverty and growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
The lawmakers argued that nearly three years into Tinubu’s administration, many Nigerians have yet to see meaningful improvements in their living conditions despite government assurances.
A key focus of the briefing was the reported abduction and death of retired Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, who was allegedly kidnapped alongside his wife in Katsina State before dying in captivity.
The caucus described the incident as a reflection of the country’s worsening security challenges and called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The lawmakers said the incident occurred amid continued attacks by bandits, insurgents and criminal groups across parts of northern and southeastern Nigeria. They expressed concern that security personnel, traditional rulers and ordinary citizens have increasingly become targets of kidnappers despite ongoing military operations.
The opposition caucus called on Tinubu, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, to present a comprehensive strategy to address the country’s security challenges. It also urged improvements in the welfare of security personnel, stronger intelligence gathering and broader reforms of the security architecture.
The lawmakers further expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.
According to the caucus, the incident has renewed concerns about school safety and the effectiveness of measures introduced to protect educational institutions from attacks.
The opposition lawmakers also criticized recent developments within the judiciary, particularly a Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five opposition political parties.
Agbedi said the judgment raised concerns about democratic competition and political pluralism ahead of future elections. He argued that the ruling could have broader implications for opposition participation in the political process.
The caucus welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to halt enforcement of the judgment and called on democratic institutions to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
On the economy, the lawmakers said inflation, rising food prices and declining purchasing power continue to place severe pressure on households across the country.
They argued that key economic reforms introduced by the government, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market, have imposed significant costs on citizens without adequate social protections.
The lawmakers accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of prioritizing political activities related to the 2027 elections over governance and national recovery efforts.
They urged the president to focus on security and economic reforms, including the implementation of what they described as a national security and economic recovery plan.
The caucus also called for reforms within the judiciary and urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address controversies arising from conflicting court rulings involving political parties.
Agbedi said opposition lawmakers would continue to use legislative mechanisms to hold the government accountable and pledged to defend democratic institutions and political competition.
The briefing was attended by House Deputy Minority Leader Abdussamad Dasuki, Minority Whip Mansur Soro and Afam Ogene, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party caucus in the House of Representatives.
The presidency had not publicly responded to the opposition’s allegations as of Wednesday.
