The Parliamentary Advocacy Centre (PAC) has condemned comments by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi on Nigeria’s security challenges, describing his remarks as political grandstanding that is of little help in tackling the country’s pressing problems.
The group, in a statement issued earlier today, June 22 and signed by its President, Itodo Vincent, said it was unfortunate that Agbedi criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and risked turning a national security issue into a political contest ahead of the 2027 elections.
Earlier, Agbedi had accused the President of focusing on politics of re-election, not on the welfare and security of Nigerians. He also called on Tinubu to suspend all activities relating to the 2027 elections and focus on a six-month national security and economic recovery programme.
PAC, responding to the comments, agreed that insecurity is a major concern and needs urgent action, but added that political leaders should not exploit the issue for partisan advantage.
The organisation said Nigeria’s security crisis is not a new phenomenon but a problem that pre-dates the present administration and can only be tackled through collective efforts involving government institutions, security agencies, communities and political stakeholders.
“It is a pity that Hon. Fred Agbedi chose to turn a sensitive issue like national security into a political issue. Nigerians are seeking constructive engagement and practical solutions from political leaders, not statements to score partisan points,” Vincent said.
PAC also condemned Agbedi’s six-month ultimatum to the President, describing it as inappropriate for a person in a senior political office.
Issuing what amounts to an ultimatum to the President by suggesting that he should resign if security challenges are not resolved within six months is reckless and unbecoming of a statesman, the group said.
“We believe such comments are targeted mre towards advancing opposition political interests ahead of the 2027 elections than addressing the security concerns of Nigerians. It appears to us that Hon. Agbedi is busy running errands for opposition figures like former President Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi, rather than providing constructive solutions to the challenges facing the nation.
“Security is a shared responsibility and should not become a platform for political posturing. “What Nigerians need at this time are ideas, cooperation and support for the efforts being made to improve security and economic stability, not inflammatory comments.”
The group expressed sympathy with the families of victims of kidnapping, banditry and other violent attacks across the country, stressing that every Nigerian life mattered irrespective of political affiliation.
But PAC said it’s responsible leadership, national unity and cooperation – not divisive rhetoric – that are needed to address the country’s security challenges.
“Governance and politics can coexist in a democracy, but political actors need to pay more attention to strengthening institutions and supporting measures to restore public confidence in government,” Vincent said.
It also called on opposition figures to come up with practical policy alternatives and support initiatives that could better improve security outcomes, rather than what it termed as early political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections.