By Ayomide Otitoju
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sudden removal and replacement of Nigeria’s Service Chiefs, describing the move as abrupt and potentially destabilizing for the nation’s military and democratic institutions.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party acknowledged the President’s constitutional authority to appoint or dismiss Service Chiefs but said the timing and manner of the reshuffle “raise deeper questions” about possible internal issues within the government.
President Tinubu had on Friday announced major changes in the military hierarchy, relieving General Christopher Musa of his position as Chief of Defence Staff and appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as his replacement, alongside new chiefs for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The President described the move as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
However, the ADC suggested that the shake-up might be linked to recent rumours of an attempted coup, urging the Federal Government to be transparent about the real reasons behind the decision.
“The actions of the government in response to the dangerous rumour of a recent coup leave more to be desired in terms of accountability to Nigerians,” the statement read.
The party noted that most of the affected Service Chiefs had served for less than 30 months, with the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, General Oluyede, only a year into his previous role as Chief of Army Staff. Such sweeping changes, the ADC warned, could have “serious and far-reaching implications for morale and stability within the ranks.”
“Without prejudice to what might have happened in recent weeks, it is obvious that the Tinubu administration is distracted. Insecurity continues to spread, with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country while bandits reign supreme in others,” the ADC stated.
The party further alleged that the government’s decision appears more politically motivated than driven by national security concerns, adding that “the administration’s attention seems fully focused on regime politics rather than securing the lives of Nigerians.”
The ADC urged the Tinubu administration to provide clarity on the reasons behind the sudden military shake-up to prevent further rumours and reassure Nigerians that democracy remains secure.
