The minority caucus in the House of Representatives on Wednesday launched a strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of focusing more on the 2027 elections than addressing the country’s worsening security and economic challenges.
Speaking at a press briefing at the National Assembly in Abuja, the Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, said Nigeria was facing one of its most difficult periods since the return to democracy in 1999.
According to him, insecurity, poverty and economic hardship have continued to worsen, while political leaders are already concentrating on the next general election.
“Nigeria is bleeding, Nigeria is confused and Nigeria is being deliberately pushed to the brink by a government that has elevated 2027 electioneering above the lives and welfare of citizens,” Agbedi said.
The opposition lawmakers said they could no longer remain silent in the face of the country’s growing problems.
The caucus pointed to the recent abduction and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State as evidence of the deteriorating security situation.
Describing the incident as a national embarrassment, Agbedi said it was disturbing that a retired military officer who once defended the country could be kidnapped alongside his wife and eventually die in captivity.
“If a General is not safe within the borders of our nation, then who truly is?” he asked.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, calling for urgent and coordinated efforts to secure their release.
They accused the government of failing to provide a clear security strategy and called for improved welfare for security personnel and a complete overhaul of the country’s security architecture.
The caucus also criticised recent developments in the judiciary, particularly the Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties.
Agbedi described the ruling as dangerous and capable of undermining democracy, alleging that opposition parties were increasingly being targeted through institutional means.
He further claimed that attempts were being made to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections through judicial decisions and restrictions on political activities.
On the economy, the minority lawmakers painted a gloomy picture, saying Nigerians were struggling with inflation, rising food prices and declining purchasing power.
They argued that policies such as fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira had imposed severe hardship on citizens without adequate relief measures.
“From Sokoto to Enugu, from Borno to Lagos, the story is the same: hunger, killings, kidnappings, collapse of the naira, collapse of hope,” Agbedi said.
The caucus urged President Tinubu to temporarily put aside political activities related to 2027 and instead declare a six-month national security and economic recovery plan.
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Among other recommendations, the lawmakers called for an independent investigation into the death of Major General Abubakar, immediate action to rescue the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and reforms within the security sector.
They also urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address concerns over conflicting court judgments and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to safeguard democratic competition ahead of the next general elections.
Despite the current challenges, Agbedi urged Nigerians not to lose faith in democracy.
“2027 will not be decided in Aso Rock or by compromised courts. It will be decided by you, the people. The opposition parties will stand with you. Nigeria will be rescued,” he said.
The briefing was attended by Deputy Minority Leader Abdussamad Dasuki, Minority Whip Mansur Soro and other opposition lawmakers.
