The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over the growing insecurity in Nigeria, warning that recent events in Zamfara and Kwara States show that the federal government is losing control of the country.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the extortion of over ₦56 million from farmers in Zamfara by armed bandits, and the abandonment of a village in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as clear signs of government failure.
The party said that farmers being forced to pay terrorists before accessing their own farmlands is a “national warning,” not just a local problem. “When criminals can tax citizens at gunpoint, it means the government is no longer in charge,” the statement said.
ADC added that the situation has gone beyond insecurity and is now a case of criminals challenging the authority of the Nigerian state. “The state has surrendered its power,” it warned.
The party also pointed out that Nigeria, despite having one of the largest defence budgets in Africa, is allowing communities to fall into the hands of bandits. “Our farmers are left to negotiate with warlords while the government looks away,” the statement added.
Referencing a recent kidnapping of about 50 people in Zamfara, the ADC said more parts of Nigeria could face the same fate if nothing is done.
The party also questioned the silence of President Bola Tinubu on the worsening situation in Zamfara, while he had previously suggested a state of emergency in Rivers State over political issues. “Why is Rivers a bigger emergency than Zamfara?” the ADC asked.
The statement reminded the public of President Tinubu’s own words in 2014, when he called for President Goodluck Jonathan’s resignation over insecurity. The ADC said the situation is now worse under Tinubu, yet no one is demanding he step down.
However, the ADC clarified that it is not asking for Tinubu’s resignation. “We only ask him to do his job,” the party said.
It concluded by urging the President to focus on fighting insecurity and protecting Nigerians. “No government can say it is in control when people are forced to abandon their homes and pay criminals just to survive,” the party said.