The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to travel to Europe amid escalating security challenges in Nigeria, describing the timing of the trip as insensitive and alarming. The party’s remarks stem from growing public anxiety over violent attacks and insecurity in several regions of the country.
In a statement shared on social media, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the President’s absence comes at a “troubling time” when Nigerians are grappling with renewed insecurity, including a deadly bomb explosion in Zamfara State and recent foreign military strikes targeting terrorist groups on Nigerian soil. Abdullahi called the timing of the trip which precedes the President’s scheduled participation at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit in the United Arab Emirates “scary” and lacking empathy for citizens facing insecurity.
The opposition party argued that the President should remain in Nigeria to sustain leadership presence and coordinate responses to security crises instead of departing for engagements abroad. ADC’s criticism reflects broader political tensions over government communication and prioritisation of domestic security issues, particularly at a time when families and communities affected by violence seek reassurance and decisive action from national leadership.
President Tinubu’s office had announced the Europe trip and subsequent attendance at the Abu Dhabi summit, where he is expected to engage global leaders on sustainable development and economic issues. However, ADC’s stance underscores a deepening domestic debate over political optics and leadership focus amid ongoing security concerns.
