The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain the reasons behind his sudden dismissal of the nation’s service chiefs, describing the move as “abrupt” and raising concerns about the timing of the decision.
While acknowledging that the President has the constitutional authority to appoint or remove service chiefs, the opposition party said the development was “unexpected,” especially amid reports of an alleged coup plot in the country.
In a statement released on Saturday, the ADC noted that transparency was crucial in matters concerning national security and leadership within the armed forces.
“Yes, the President has the prerogative to hire and fire, but Nigerians deserve to know the real reasons behind this sudden shake-up in the military,” the party said. “Such decisions have far-reaching implications for the country’s stability and security.”
The party also urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize stability and accountability within the security architecture, stressing that abrupt changes could create uncertainty among the armed forces and the general public.
President Tinubu earlier this week announced the dismissal of all service chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, and appointed new heads for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The move has generated widespread reactions across the country, with many analysts linking it to recent security concerns and rumours of discontent within the military.
The ADC’s statement adds to growing calls for clarity on the circumstances surrounding the major security reshuffle.
