ADC Urges Tinubu to Leave Presidential Villa and Face Nigerians’ Security Realities

In a sharp critique of Nigeria’s current security narrative, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused state governors of distorting the true extent of insecurity in the country, thereby misleading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The party is now urging the president to step beyond the comfort of the Presidential Villa and engage directly with the citizens to understand their daily experiences of insecurity.

Speaking on Channels Television’s flagship program Politics Today on Wednesday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi expressed concern that the administration may be out of touch with the harsh realities on the ground. He pointed out that while the federal government claims progress in security efforts, many Nigerians continue to live in fear due to persistent attacks by criminals and insurgents.

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“I actually think President Tinubu needs to leave the Villa and go on the streets and talk to people,” Abdullahi said. “He should stop listening to this kind of narrative [that insecurity has been degraded] and stop listening to state governors who are just saying what they think they need to say to endear themselves to power rather than tell him the true feelings of the people.”

This statement was a direct response to comments made by presidential spokesman, Daniel Bwala, who argued that there had been notable improvements in security under Tinubu’s leadership. Bwala cited reduced incidents of violence in Benue and Plateau states and a drop in attacks attributed to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and unidentified gunmen in comparison to 2022 and 2023.

According to Bwala, “Insecurity has been degraded to a large extent. What we are seeing in Nigeria is criminal tendencies that have no core relationship with whether somebody is governing well or not, because it exists in every part of this world.”

However, the ADC’s spokesman disagreed strongly with that assessment. Abdullahi accused government officials and some state governors of painting a falsely optimistic picture, which he believes leaves the president disconnected from the daily suffering of ordinary citizens.

“I feel sorry for President Tinubu because if this is the kind of narrative that he gets to hear all the time, then it is natural and obvious that he lives in a bubble,” Abdullahi said. “Several communities remain under siege across the country, and pretending otherwise is not only disingenuous but dangerous.”

Reality on the Ground Contradicts Government’s Claims

Abdullahi’s remarks reflect a broader public sentiment that security concerns have not been adequately addressed. In several parts of Nigeria—particularly the North-West, North-Central, and parts of the South-East—reports of kidnapping, banditry, and insurgent attacks continue to dominate headlines. Despite targeted military operations and the introduction of new security policies, many Nigerians feel these measures have not translated into meaningful safety in their communities.

He argued that without first acknowledging the widespread scale of insecurity, any government efforts would be superficial at best. “We cannot solve a problem that we refuse to admit exists. The first step towards a solution is recognition,” he said.

Call for Grassroots Engagement and Accountability

The ADC has called for more direct interaction between President Tinubu and the Nigerian populace, particularly those in rural and violence-prone regions. The party suggests that such engagements would offer the president firsthand insights into the struggles faced by citizens and help shape more informed policies.

Political analysts say this growing criticism highlights a gap between the government’s portrayal of success and the lived experiences of millions of Nigerians. While data may show statistical improvement in certain conflict zones, the psychological toll of insecurity, including mass displacement, loss of livelihoods, and trauma, remains a persistent burden.

The ADC also urged greater accountability from governors, many of whom control significant security votes. According to the party, these resources must be transparently used for the protection of lives and property, not political loyalty.

A Crossroad for the Tinubu Administration

As President Tinubu continues his efforts to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and governance structures, the issue of security remains a critical benchmark for public approval. How his administration responds to these kinds of challenges—balancing state-level reports with grassroots realities—will likely determine the success of his broader national agenda.

The ADC’s message is clear: the battle against insecurity is far from over, and the path forward demands transparency, honesty, and inclusive leadership that listens to those most affected.