ADC challenges Tinubu to explain the sudden sack of service chiefs, urging transparency amid growing speculation over government stability

In a statement on Friday, the African Democratic Congress through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said that while President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, has the constitutional right to make such decisions, the timing of the shake-up coming shortly after rumours of an attempted coup — raises serious questions that require open clarification.

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The Defence Headquarters had swiftly dismissed as “false and malicious” reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary events to an alleged coup plot involving some military officers.

The ADC, however, criticised what it described as the Federal Government’s “confusing and evasive” handling of the situation, accusing it of creating uncertainty rather than confidence among citizens.

Abdullahi said the administration’s response to such a delicate matter “veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity.”

He noted that many of the affected service chiefs were appointed just over two years ago, with the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff serving only a year as Army Chief before his promotion.

According to the ADC, the scale of the changes suggests there may be “serious and far-reaching reasons” behind the move.

“As an opposition political party, our concern is for national stability and the protection of democratic governance,” the statement added, drawing attention to political turbulence in neighbouring countries such as Chad and across the Sahel region.

The party further accused the Tinubu administration of misplaced priorities, alleging that while insecurity persists — with terrorists regaining ground and bandits tightening their grip in some areas — the government’s focus remains fixed on “regime politics” instead of national security.

“This action, if anything, will only further promote rumours and conspiracy theories,” the ADC warned, stressing that the government’s silence risks deepening public unease.

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The opposition party therefore called on President Tinubu to address Nigerians openly, explain the real motivations for the service chiefs’ dismissal, and reassure the public that Nigeria’s democracy remains stable and secure.