The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says President Bola Tinubu’s administration has displayed “historic incompetence” following US airstrikes in Sokoto state.
A statement by Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, said while the party supports lawful efforts to protect Nigerians, the foreign operation revealed failures that allowed external forces to act directly on Nigerian soil.
Abdullahi warned that allowing foreign militaries to operate within Nigeria was unsustainable and posed serious risks to the country’s long-term security and strategic interests.
He questioned Nigeria’s role in the operation, emphasising that the country must not be reduced to a passive informant in exercises it should be directing.
The ADC spokesman called on the federal government to provide clarity on Nigeria’s operational control, casualty figures, and the identities of terrorists reportedly neutralised during the strikes.
“This is a display of historic incompetence on the part of the Tinubu administration. The African Democratic Congress recognises the grave security challenges facing Nigeria and affirms that the protection of lives and the defeat of terrorism must remain a top national priority,” Abdullahi said.
“We therefore support all lawful and effective measures aimed at saving lives and restoring security.”
Abdullahi reiterated the party’s opposition to the physical presence of foreign military forces in Nigeria, stressing that desperation in tackling insecurity must not undermine national sovereignty.
Recall that the United States conducted a series of air strikes targeting ISIS militants in parts of Sokoto state on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile, Yusuf Tuggar, the minister of foreign affairs, said Nigeria was duly informed and involved in planning the operation.
Another statement from Mohammed Idris, minister of Information, confirmed the strikes were authorised by Tinubu.