The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a strong critique against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration following airstrikes conducted by the United States military in Sokoto State. The opposition party labeled the foreign military operation on Nigerian soil as a clear indication of the government's "baffling incompetence" in addressing the nation's security crisis.
A Desperate Measure, Not a Strategy
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC addressed the December 25, 2025 airstrikes carried out by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). While the party stated it supports all lawful efforts to protect Nigerian lives, it framed the event as a stark reminder of "President Tinubu’s historic incompetence."
The ADC argued that governance failures under the current administration created the conditions for this unprecedented foreign intervention. The party warned that allowing external forces to execute direct military actions within Nigeria is unsustainable and poses a significant threat to the country's long-term strategic interests and sovereignty.
Demands for Transparency and Operational Control
The opposition party is demanding immediate and clear answers from the Federal Government regarding the Sokoto operation. Key questions raised include:
- The exact number and identity of terrorists neutralized.
- The specific role and level of operational control exercised by Nigerian security forces.
- The immediate outcomes and strategic gains from the airstrike.
- Whether more such foreign-led operations are planned.
The ADC expressed deep concern that Nigeria was reduced to a "mere informant" in an operation it should have led, especially after spending trillions of naira on security over the years. The party cautioned against confusing genuine strategic collaboration with what it termed a "myopic surrender" of national responsibility.
Communication Failures and Broader Implications
The ADC also criticized the Tinubu government's communication regarding the incident. The party noted that many Nigerians first learned of the significant event from a social media post by the U.S. President, while official information from Nigeria was limited to a statement from a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.
This, according to the ADC, reflects "a frightening lack of awareness of the historic significance" of allowing foreign troops to operate on sovereign territory. The party further warned against the persistent framing of counter-terrorism efforts in religious terms by external partners, stating that such an approach could endanger Nigeria's national unity.
The ADC concluded that the incident could only be justified as a consequence of the administration's failure to prioritize national security, adding that governance appears focused on revenue collection while critical issues like security are treated as afterthoughts. The party urged the government to provide clarity and reaffirm its commitment to a Nigeria-led security strategy.
