Former Vice Presidential Candidate Slams Government Approach Claiming Corruption Is Core Issue Driving Insecurity Crisis

 

Former vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national security emergency, describing the move as ineffective and missing the critical issues fueling insecurity across Nigeria. Speaking on Arise News, Baba-Ahmed delivered a scathing assessment of the administration’s approach, asserting that the declaration fails to address the underlying causes of violence and criminality.

Baba-Ahmed emphasized that the nation’s security challenges are not a consequence of insufficient personnel. The former politician argued that the government’s plan to recruit and rapidly train thousands of security operatives will not solve the crisis. “It is not about numbers. It is about reducing corruption in the war against insecurity itself,” he remarked, highlighting the persistent diversion of security funds for political interests rather than operational efficiency.

Criticism focused heavily on the management of resources within the security sector. Baba-Ahmed questioned how much of the budget allocated to security reaches frontline operations and suggested that a significant portion may be redirected toward political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections. According to him, eliminating corruption within the security framework is the key to restoring safety and order.

Highlighting the potential effectiveness of existing forces, Baba-Ahmed claimed that the Nigerian Police, if allowed to operate free from political interference and backed adequately, could address banditry and other criminal threats swiftly. He stated, “Remove the Nigerian armed forces. The Nigerian Police alone can wipe out insecurity in two months. Remove corruption, remove political interest, give them support, they will do it.” His comments suggest that structural reforms and accountability measures are more urgent than simply increasing personnel.

Beyond security issues, Baba-Ahmed voiced broader concerns about the performance of Tinubu’s administration. He warned that the government is navigating a precarious situation, likening it to skating on ice so thin that stability appears unreliable. The former vice-presidential candidate implied that without urgent corrective measures, both political and social instability could deepen, further complicating efforts to restore national security.

Baba-Ahmed’s remarks reflect growing skepticism about the administration’s capacity to manage Nigeria’s security crisis effectively. Analysts note that while declaring a state of emergency may signal seriousness, without addressing the systemic issues of corruption and political interference, such measures are unlikely to yield meaningful results.

Public reaction to the government’s plan has been mixed, with many citizens echoing concerns about resource mismanagement and inefficiency in tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. Baba-Ahmed’s comments, delivered during a national broadcast, add significant weight to debates about Nigeria’s approach to security reform and the urgent need for accountability within the system.

Nigeria continues to grapple with escalating security challenges, and the discourse sparked by Baba-Ahmed underscores the demand for a comprehensive strategy that combines transparency, proper funding, and depoliticized policing to restore safety across the country.