ADC questions Tinubu’s sudden military shake-up, seeks clarity amid coup rumours

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to provide Nigerians with a clear explanation for the sudden overhaul in the nation’s military hierarchy.

On Friday, Tinubu approved sweeping changes in the leadership of the armed forces — a move that has sparked debate and speculation across the country.

In a statement issued by Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s national publicity secretary, the ADC said that while the president has full constitutional powers to appoint and replace service chiefs, the timing of the decision was “abrupt and worrisome,” particularly given the widespread rumours of an attempted coup.

“We reiterate our earlier view that the reactions of the government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity,” Abdullahi said.

He noted that several of the affected service chiefs had been appointed just over two years ago, adding that the current chief of defence staff had served only a year as army chief before his promotion.

“This kind of decision has serious and far-reaching implications for stability within the ranks and therefore could not have been taken without strong reasons,” he added.

Abdullahi said Nigerians deserve a straightforward explanation from the government, stressing that the ADC’s main concern as an opposition party is the preservation of national stability and democracy.

He also voiced concern over recent political turmoil in neighbouring Chad and other Sahelian countries, warning that Nigeria could not afford internal instability within its armed forces.

The ADC spokesperson accused the Tinubu administration of being “distracted,” saying insecurity continues to escalate while the government appears more focused on politics than governance.

“Insecurity continues to spread with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in other parts,” he said.

Abdullahi added that the near-total change in military leadership risked fuelling more speculation and conspiracy theories.

“The federal government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat,” he said.

The ADC had earlier urged the government to clarify the truth behind the reported coup attempt and address the nation “transparently if any threat truly exists.”

On October 18, the Defence Headquarters dismissed claims that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations was linked to an alleged coup plot.