Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress has rejected calls by opposition parties and lawmakers for President Bola Tinubu to step aside over worsening insecurity and economic hardship, describing the demand as politically motivated and unfair.
The dispute followed remarks by the minority caucus in the House of Representatives, which accused the administration of failing to address insecurity, rising poverty and threats to democratic institutions while focusing on political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, House Minority Leader Fred Agbedi said Nigeria was facing one of its most challenging periods since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
“President Tinubu must suspend all 2027 political activities and declare a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan,” Agbedi said, arguing that the country was drifting toward a failed state due to worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Several opposition parties backed the position, including the African Democratic Congress, the Social Democratic Party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the caucus’ position reflected the frustrations of many Nigerians and accused the administration of failing to provide effective solutions to the country’s security challenges.
Similarly, PDP faction spokesperson Ini Ememobong said the President should step aside if he could not effectively address insecurity and economic difficulties, arguing that governance should take precedence over political considerations.
The SDP also endorsed the lawmakers’ position. Its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said the administration had failed to meet its constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of citizens.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress supported the proposal for a six-month national security and economic recovery plan, describing it as timely and necessary in light of escalating security concerns across the country.
However, the All Progressives Grand Alliance distanced itself from the calls for Tinubu to resign, saying it did not support the demand.
Reacting on behalf of the ruling party, APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim dismissed suggestions that Nigeria was becoming a failed state and described calls for the President’s resignation as reckless.
“President Bola Tinubu is providing the necessary leadership in tackling insecurity and revamping Nigeria’s economy. He is focused on governance, not 2027 politics,” Ibrahim said.
He argued that security and economic challenges were global issues and not unique to Nigeria, citing developments in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
According to Ibrahim, the Federal Government is implementing measures to address insecurity and improve economic conditions, and he urged Nigerians to support those efforts rather than deepen political divisions.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe said rising insecurity should not lead to the suspension of elections or political campaigns.
Osigwe argued that election campaigns are essential to democratic accountability, providing citizens with an opportunity to assess leaders’ performance and make informed decisions at the polls.
“Campaign season should not stop. It should offer an opportunity for us to actually hold accountable those who seek votes and those who seek to be re-elected,” he said.
Nigeria has grappled with insecurity for more than two decades, particularly in the northern region, where insurgent groups, armed bandits and criminal networks have been responsible for thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions of people. While security agencies have recorded successes against some groups, attacks and kidnappings continue in several parts of the country.
