ADC Slams Tinubu Over US Air Strikes in Sokoto

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the recent United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) air strikes in Sokoto State. National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the ADC supports lawful efforts to protect Nigerians but blames governance failures for the need to invite foreign military intervention onto Nigerian soil.

The air strikes, which targeted ISIS terrorists on Friday, were reportedly preceded by a notice to the Nigerian government. Abdullahi warned that permitting external forces to conduct direct military operations could undermine Nigeria’s long‑term strategic interests and argued that Nigeria should not be relegated to a secondary role in an operation it ought to lead. He called on the federal government to clarify who controlled the operation, the number of casualties, and how many terrorists were killed.

While acknowledging the serious security challenges facing the country, the ADC affirmed that protecting lives and defeating terrorism must remain a national priority. The party supports lawful, effective measures that save lives and restore security, but it opposes the physical presence of foreign troops on Nigerian territory, citing concerns over national sovereignty.

The US air strikes in Sokoto represent the latest development in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria. Critics have accused the government of relying too heavily on foreign military assistance, arguing that this reliance weakens the nation’s ability to address its own security problems. The ADC’s statement underscores the need for the government to provide transparent information about the strikes and to clarify Nigeria’s role in the operation.

As the situation unfolds, the government is likely to face increased scrutiny over its handling of security and its relationship with foreign forces. The ADC’s criticism highlights the demand for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s security efforts, and the need for a clear, effective strategy to confront the persistent security challenges and restore stability to the country.