The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend all political activities related to his 2027 re-election bid and focus entirely on addressing Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly in Abuja, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi warned that the country was approaching a dangerous tipping point, accusing the government of prioritising political calculations over urgent national challenges.
The opposition lawmakers called for a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan, insisting that governance must take precedence over electioneering.
“President Tinubu must suspend all 2027 political activities and declare a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan. Lead or leave. Nigeria is bleeding. Nigeria is confused. And Nigeria is being deliberately pushed to the brink by a government that has elevated 2027 electioneering above the lives and welfare of citizens,” Agbedi said.
The lawmakers cited escalating insecurity across several states, including recent school abductions in Borno, Oyo and Kogi states, as well as the death of former military spokesperson, Major-General Abubakar Rabe (rtd), while in captivity.
Communities in Plateau, Kwara, Niger, Benue, Sokoto and Zamfara states have also suffered repeated attacks by armed groups, leading to deaths and mass displacement.
The caucus described the death of General Rabe as a national embarrassment and evidence of deepening insecurity.
“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.
“If a General is not safe within the borders of our nation, then who truly is?”
The lawmakers also expressed concern over the prolonged captivity of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the situation as a failure of government responsibility.
“This is the new normal under this administration: mass abductions without consequences, terrorists dictating terms, and a government that issues statements instead of results,” Agbedi said.
The caucus argued that the government lacks a coherent counter-insurgency strategy and accused political leaders of focusing on future elections rather than addressing immediate national emergencies.
“Our security is in the mud. Yet, the political class is busy rehearsing new political dance steps, seemingly unbothered,” he added.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Judicial Decisions Ahead Of 2027
The lawmakers also criticised a recent Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five opposition political parties.
According to the caucus, the judgment could undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“This judgment appears to be a deliberate ploy to engender judicial chaos weaponised to destabilise the polity,” Agbedi said.
He further described the ruling as “rascality taken too far” and alleged that it was a calculated effort to weaken credible opposition parties.
The caucus called on both the judiciary and INEC to protect democratic institutions and ensure a level political playing field.
“We will not accept a 2027 election rigged before it begins,” Agbedi warned.
Dangiwa Umar Urges Tinubu To Prioritise National Security
Meanwhile, former Kaduna State military governor, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), has also urged President Tinubu to place national security at the centre of his administration.
In an open letter, Umar said protecting citizens was the fundamental responsibility of any government and one of the ideals that inspired the June 12 pro-democracy struggle.
“If national security is missing, that would be the end of the discussion; nothing else matters. Nothing,” he said.
He urged the president to make equity, transparency, accountability and inclusion central pillars of government policy.
NHRC Reports Rising Human Rights Violations
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also revealed alarming figures for May 2026, reporting that 390 people were killed and 202 others kidnapped across Nigeria.
The commission disclosed that it received 268,787 complaints during the month, describing the period as one of the most challenging moments for human rights in recent years.
Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu said increasing attacks on schools, places of worship and communities continue to threaten national stability.
The commission called for stronger civilian protection measures and improved security around educational institutions.
Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment To Security
Despite the criticisms, President Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to intensify efforts against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
During his Democracy Day address, he announced the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and a record N5.41 trillion allocation to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
The president also stated that security forces had killed 13,000 terrorists in the past year and that civilian deaths linked to insurgency had declined by 81 per cent since 2015.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
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