The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of paying more attention to the 2027 elections than addressing Nigeria’s growing security and economic challenges.
The lawmakers made the allegations during a press conference at the National Assembly, where they expressed concerns over rising insecurity, economic hardship, and what they described as attempts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next general election.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi said recent events across the country point to a worsening security situation that requires urgent intervention from the Federal Government.
The caucus cited the reported death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar after he was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State, describing the incident as a tragic reflection of the country’s security crisis.
“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,” Agbedi said.
The lawmakers also raised concerns over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release.
“As we speak, school children and their teachers abducted in Oyo State remain in captivity. Their crime? Going to school in Nigeria,” he stated.
Beyond security, the caucus criticised a recent Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five opposition political parties.
According to the lawmakers, the ruling could be viewed as an attempt to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We consider Justice Lifu’s judgment as a calculated attempt to muscle legitimate opposition out of the race for the 2027 presidency,” Agbedi said.
The caucus, however, welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to suspend the enforcement of the judgment pending further legal proceedings.
The lawmakers further accused the ruling APC and the Presidency of focusing on political calculations rather than addressing pressing national issues such as insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.
“The life of every Nigerian matters. Politics must take the back seat when the nation bleeds. We must secure Nigeria first,” Agbedi added.
Among other demands, the caucus called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, a transparent investigation into the death of General Rabe, and urgent measures to tackle the country’s economic difficulties.
They also urged President Tinubu to prioritise governance and national security over preparations for the 2027 elections.
Source: House of Representatives Minority Caucus Press Conference.
