The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has asked President Bola Tinubu to return to Nigeria without delay following deadly bomb blasts in Maiduguri.
The president is currently in London, United Kingdom, on a state visit at the invitation of King Charles III.
The ADC made its position known on Tuesday after multiple explosions shook Maiduguri on Monday night. The attacks killed at least 23 people, left hundreds injured, and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
In a statement by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned the attacks and shared sympathy with victims and their families. It also urged the president to focus more on security instead of politics.
The party said it is worried about what it sees as a lack of leadership at a very critical time. It pointed out that the president is outside the country while top security officials are reportedly busy with political activities.
According to the ADC, protecting lives and property should come first, ahead of political matters and official ceremonies. It insisted that the president must return quickly and take charge of the situation.
The party expressed sadness over the tragedy, noting that Maiduguri has already suffered years of violence. It stressed that terrorism anywhere in Nigeria affects everyone and requires unity and strong leadership.
While praising first responders and security personnel for their efforts, the ADC said the incident raises serious concerns about the country’s security situation. It warned that Maiduguri, which had started to see some peace in recent years, should not go back to frequent bomb attacks that threaten everyday life.
The statement said moments like this require full attention from national leaders. It described it as troubling that the president remains abroad while the country faces a serious security crisis.
The ADC also criticized some top officials, accusing them of focusing on politics instead of their duties. It said such distractions are dangerous and cost lives, adding that victims of attacks are real people with families, not just numbers.
The party noted that in a serious country, leaders would return home immediately, address citizens, and take responsibility during such crises. It expressed disappointment that the president has not publicly spoken about the victims or the soldiers who have died in service.
Reminding the president of his oath of office, the ADC said the government’s main duty is to protect lives. It argued that this responsibility is not being properly fulfilled.
The party also suggested that the government should start taking full responsibility for preventable deaths by compensating victims’ families, both civilians and military personnel. It said while money cannot replace lives, such actions would show accountability.
The ADC concluded that it is no longer enough for the government to simply send condolences after attacks. It warned that Nigeria cannot continue to treat loss of life as normal, especially as thousands have already been killed in violent incidents this year.
