ADC questions timing of Military shake-up, cites coup rumours

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to explain the reasons behind the sudden dismissal of the country’s service chiefs, insisting that Nigerians deserve full transparency amid rising speculation about the stability of his administration.

In a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said that while the President has the constitutional authority to reshuffle the military hierarchy, the timing — coming shortly after rumours of an attempted coup — raises public concern and requires open communication.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier dismissed as false and malicious reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities to a supposed 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 rumours of an attempted coup,” the ADC stated.

The opposition party criticised what it described as the Federal Government’s “confusing and evasive” response to the situation, accusing it of sending mixed signals rather than providing clarity. “The reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity,” Abdullahi added.

The ADC noted that some of the dismissed service chiefs had been in office for only about two years, while the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff previously served as Chief of Army Staff for just a year, suggesting that the reshuffle may have been triggered by deeper issues.

“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 stated.

Emphasising its concern for national stability, the ADC warned that the abrupt changes could fuel public anxiety and conspiracy theories, especially given the recent wave of political unrest in neighbouring countries.

“As an opposition political party, our interest remains the stability of our country and our democracy. In light of developments in our neighbourhood, particularly in Chad and across the Sahel, we are gravely concerned,” it said.

The party further criticised the Tinubu administration for what it described as misplaced priorities amid worsening insecurity 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.

Reiterating its demand for accountability, the ADC urged the Federal Government to clearly explain its decision and assure citizens that Nigeria’s democracy remains 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 concluded.