The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s bid for Nigeria to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, citing the country’s ongoing struggle with insecurity. In a statement, the party argued that it is inappropriate for the government to seek global responsibilities when it cannot protect its own citizens.

The ADC referenced recent attacks in Zamfara State, where gunmen killed worshippers and abducted others at a mosque in Yandoto village. The party also noted that over 140 Nigerians have been murdered in Zamfara and Katsina alone in the past two months. According to Amnesty International, more than 10,000 lives have been lost since May 2025 to attacks by armed groups.

The party argued that the scale of lawlessness in the state raises questions about Nigeria’s territorial control, as armed groups impose levies, restrict access to land, and kill without consequences. The ADC stated that this situation is no longer just about insecurity, but about Nigeria’s territorial integrity being eroded under President Tinubu’s administration.

The party criticized the government’s response to the crisis, saying that instead of taking decisive action, it has been reduced to routine condolence messages. The ADC also criticized President Tinubu for missing the commissioning of new officers at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna for the second consecutive year, choosing instead to attend the commissioning of the renovated National Arts Theater in Lagos.

The ADC argued that true leadership on the world stage must begin with responsibility at home and that Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council will be seen as unrealistic until the government proves it can protect its own citizens. The party repeated its call for the immediate declaration of a state of emergency in Zamfara State to address the ongoing violence and bloodshed.

The ADC’s criticism highlights the challenges facing Nigeria’s government in addressing the country’s security crisis. With the UN Security Council seat bid underway, the government’s ability to protect its citizens and maintain territorial control will likely be under scrutiny. The situation in Zamfara and Katsina states remains a major concern, and the government’s response will be closely watched in the coming weeks.