The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives on Wednesday accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to tackle insecurity, economic hardship and threats to democracy, while focusing on the 2027 elections instead.
Speaking at the National Assembly in Abuja, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi said Nigeria was facing one of its toughest periods since 1999.
“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,” he said.
Agbedi said the caucus met the press “with a heavy heart but with unshaken resolve to speak truth to power,” adding that silence would amount to complicity.
The lawmakers pointed to the reported abduction and death of retired Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State, calling for a transparent investigation.
“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,” Agbedi said.
The caucus also cited rising attacks by bandits, terrorists and criminal gangs, saying even security personnel and traditional rulers were no longer safe.
“If a General is not safe within the borders of our nation, then who truly is?” he asked.
They demanded a new security strategy, better welfare for security personnel and reforms to the nation’s security system. The lawmakers also raised concern over abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
“As we speak, school children and their teachers abducted in Oyo State remain in captivity. Their crime? Going to school in Nigeria,” Agbedi said.
The caucus further criticised a Federal High Court ruling on opposition parties, warning it could harm democracy ahead of 2027, while also blaming economic reforms for worsening hardship.
“Lead or leave,” Agbedi said, urging Tinubu to focus on security and economic recovery.
