Minority caucus of the House of Representatives blasts President Tinubu for prioritising reelection while Nigeria bleeds
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has accused the Federal Government of placing political calculations ahead of the security and welfare of Nigerians, warning that the country is being pushed to the brink by worsening insecurity, economic hardship and alleged attempts to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Fred Agbedi, said Nigeria was “bleeding” under the current administration, insisting that governance had been replaced by early electioneering.
“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,” Rep. Agbedi declared.
The caucus condemned the reported killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in terrorist captivity in Katsina State, describing the incident as a national disgrace and evidence of the country’s deteriorating security situation.
According to Rep. Agbedi, the death of the retired military officer showed that no Nigerian was safe from the growing wave of insecurity.
“That a General of the Nigerian Army, who once commanded troops and defended this nation, could be kidnapped alongside his wife and later declared dead under unclear circumstances is a grave indictment of a failed state. It is a national embarrassment,” he said.
He lamented that despite previous killings of senior military officers in the fight against insurgency, no meaningful consequences had followed.
“If a General is not safe within the borders of our nation, then who truly is?” he asked, adding that traditional rulers and ordinary citizens had also become victims of rampant kidnappings and killings.
The caucus urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate leadership by adopting what it described as a pragmatic strategy to tackle insecurity.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must live up to the title and position of Commander-in-Chief by working out a pragmatic pathway out of this enduring quagmire,” Rep. Agbedi said.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and their teachers abducted in Oyo State, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“Their crime? Going to school in Nigeria,” Agbedi said, adding that every hour spent in captivity represented “an hour stolen from Nigeria’s future.”
The caucus called for an immediate military operation to rescue the victims without the payment of ransom.
Beyond security concerns, the opposition lawmakers criticised recent judicial developments involving opposition political parties, alleging that efforts were underway to undermine democracy before the 2027 elections.
The caucus specifically faulted a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five opposition parties, describing the ruling as politically motivated.
“We consider Justice Lifu’s judgment as a calculated attempt to muscle legitimate opposition out of the race for the 2027 Presidency,” Rep. Agbedi said.
He argued that the judgment contradicted submissions by the Independent National Electoral Commission that the affected parties had previously satisfied legal requirements by winning elective offices.
The Minority Caucus alleged that a series of political and institutional actions, including delays in registering new political parties and judicial interventions, were aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the next general election.
The lawmakers, however, commended the Court of Appeal for halting what they described as judicial overreach and urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to intervene to prevent further confusion within the judiciary.
The caucus further accused the ruling party of focusing on endorsements, defections and re-election strategies while Nigerians grapple with hunger, inflation and insecurity.
“Politics must take the back seat when the nation bleeds. We must secure Nigeria first,” Rep. Agbedi said.
As part of its demands, the Minority Caucus called for an immediate overhaul of the country’s security architecture, improved welfare for frontline troops, a transparent investigation into the death of General Rabe, urgent intervention by the Chief Justice of Nigeria over conflicting court judgments, and a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan.
It also urged President Tinubu to suspend all political activities related to the 2027 elections and concentrate on governance.
In its closing remarks, the caucus vowed to continue holding the administration accountable.
“The attempt to kill opposition parties through judicial ambush, to ignore mass killings while chasing second term, and to normalize the abduction of children is a declaration of war against Nigerians,” Rep. Agbedi stated.
“We will use every legislative instrument to hold this government accountable. The opposition will not be muscled out. Nigeria will be rescued.”
