ADC Demands Tinubu Explain Sudden Sack Of Service Chiefs As Nigerians Question Motives Behind Shake-Up

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give Nigerians a clear and honest explanation regarding the sudden removal of the nation’s top military commanders. The call comes amid mounting speculations over what led to the abrupt dismissal of nearly all Service Chiefs, a move that caught many citizens and political observers by surprise.

President Tinubu’s decision to reshuffle the country’s security architecture has stirred nationwide debate, particularly because it came barely two years after he appointed the same officers to their positions. The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that while the President has every constitutional right to reorganize the military command, the secrecy and timing surrounding this decision have raised deep concerns across the country.

Mallam Abdullahi explained that the recent shake-up followed closely after swirling rumours of an attempted coup within the military. He said the government’s silence and lack of transparent communication on the matter have fueled confusion and anxiety among Nigerians. The ADC spokesman added that the administration’s handling of the rumours was poorly coordinated, leaving citizens uncertain about the real state of national security.

Questions are now being asked about why most of the affected officers, who had not even completed three years in their positions, were suddenly removed. The Chief of Defence Staff, for instance, had been promoted less than a year ago, yet was replaced without any official explanation. Analysts say such abrupt changes, without proper clarification, can unsettle the military hierarchy and disrupt strategic continuity in the fight against insurgency and banditry.

Mallam Abdullahi warned that a complete overhaul of the military leadership at this time could weaken morale among the rank and file. He emphasized that the ADC’s main concern is not political gain but the peace, stability, and unity of Nigeria. The party insists that Nigerians deserve to know whether the dismissals were based on performance, loyalty issues, or other undisclosed security reasons.

Observers have noted that the timing of the reshuffle, coming amid growing insecurity across northern states and increasing reports of armed attacks in rural areas, makes it difficult for the government to convince the public that the move was routine. Many Nigerians are wondering if the administration acted under internal pressure or in response to intelligence reports not yet made public.

The ADC cautioned that secrecy in matters of national defense only deepens mistrust between the government and the people. The party stressed that transparency is essential in sustaining confidence in the armed forces, particularly when the country is battling multiple security threats. Abdullahi said the government must reassure Nigerians that democracy is safe, the military remains loyal to constitutional authority, and that there is no hidden agenda behind the dismissals.

Political analysts have echoed similar sentiments, warning that abrupt changes in military leadership could create temporary instability and send mixed signals to both domestic and foreign partners. Some believe the move might reflect internal struggles within the government over security strategy, while others suspect it could be connected to recent intelligence concerns within the defense establishment.

The ADC also drew attention to the volatile political situation in parts of West Africa, pointing to recent events in Chad and Niger Republic as reminders of how political missteps can quickly escalate into national crises. The party urged the Tinubu administration to focus more on uniting the country rather than creating avoidable tension through unexplained actions.

Mallam Abdullahi concluded by calling on President Tinubu to address the nation directly and give a detailed explanation for his decision. He argued that Nigerians have the right to understand the reasons behind such a significant change, especially at a time when insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges. According to him, openness and accountability are the only ways to strengthen public trust in both the presidency and the military institution.

As Nigerians continue to speculate on the real motivations behind the dismissals, pressure is building on the presidency to end the silence. The ADC’s statement has added new weight to the growing demand for transparency, and many are now waiting to see whether President Tinubu will offer clarity or allow the uncertainty to persist. The country’s stability, analysts say, could depend largely on how the government manages the aftermath of this controversial military shake-up.