The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked President Bola Tinubu to reveal the true reasons for the abrupt sack of the country’s military chiefs.
This comes as the party claims that Nigerians need openness amid growing concerns about the stability of his administration.
The ADC, in a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that while the President, as Commander-in-Chief, has the constitutional authority to make such changes, the timing—following widespread rumors of an attempted coup—necessitates openness and clear communication.
However, the Defence Headquarters instantly denied as false and malicious rumors that linked the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary events to an alleged coup attempt by some military officers.
“We acknowledge that the President reserves the power to make such changes as he may deem fit.
“However, we are somewhat concerned that this change is coming in the wake of widespread rumors of an attempted coup,” the ADC said.
The opposition party criticized the Federal Government for its “confusing and evasive” handling of the crisis, accusing it of sending contradictory signals rather than offering clarity to residents.
“The reactions of the government to the dangerous rumor have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity,” Abdullahi stated.
The ADC further noted that several of the impacted service chiefs were appointed only 28 months ago, and the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff had only been Chief of Army Staff for a year.
It stated that such extensive shifts within the military hierarchy are most likely the result of major underlying causes.
“This kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons,” the party said.
The ADC stressed that its concern was rooted in national stability and the protection of democratic governance, particularly given recent political upheavals in neighboring countries.
“As an opposition political party, our interest remains the stability of our country and our democracy. In light of developments in our neighborhood, particularly in Chad and across the Sahel, we are gravely concerned,” it said.
Criticizing what it called the government’s misdirected priorities, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of being preoccupied as insecurity spreads across the country.
“Insecurity continues to spread, with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in others.
“But this is not the reason the government is changing the service chiefs. Instead, the administration’s attention appears fully focused on regime politics rather than securing the lives of Nigerians,” the statement read.
The party warned that the sudden changes could heighten public anxiety and fuel conspiracy theories rather than restore confidence in national security.
“This action, if anything, will only further promote rumors and conspiracy theories,” the ADC cautioned.
The ADC reiterated its request for transparency, urging the Federal Government to fully explain its decision and convince Nigerians that the country’s democracy is stable.
“We therefore reiterate our earlier position that the Federal Government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat,” the party said.
