The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed serious concern over the sudden replacement of Nigeria’s service chiefs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as suspicious and demanding full transparency from the Federal Government.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party acknowledged that President Tinubu has the constitutional power to appoint and remove service chiefs. However, it noted that the “abrupt nature” of the decision raises public concern — especially in the wake of recent reports about an alleged attempted coup.
Naija News recalls that President Tinubu, on Friday, announced sweeping changes in the nation’s military hierarchy, dismissing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, among others. The President explained that the reshuffle was part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The ADC, however, questioned the timing and motive behind the decision, arguing that many of the affected military chiefs had served for less than two years, while the current Chief of Defence Staff himself was only appointed about a year ago.
“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 further stated that the government’s actions, especially following rumours of a coup, have done little to reassure Nigerians about the stability of the Tinubu administration and the security of the nation’s democracy.
“Without prejudice to what might have happened in recent weeks, it is obvious that the Tinubu administration is distracted. Insecurity continues to spread with terrorist groups staging a comeback, while bandits reign supreme in other parts. Yet, this is not the reason the government is changing the Service Chiefs,” the statement read.
The opposition party warned that the “near wholesale change” in military leadership could fuel more speculation and conspiracy theories unless the government comes clean about its motives.
“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 ADC added.
The party concluded by emphasizing that its primary concern remains the peace, stability, and democratic integrity of Nigeria amid growing insecurity and political uncertainty in the region.