Hon Abdullahi Umar, chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and convener of the ADC National Alliance for Good Governance, has dismissed the APC-led federal government’s assertion of firm control over Nigeria’s security situation. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, he described such claims as lacking merit, pointing to an unprecedented spike in attacks across the country . Umar emphasized that the administration’s approach has failed, allowing bandits and insurgents to operate with impunity .
Umar faulted the APC’s strategies sharply, quoting him as saying, “The federal government’s tactics are reactive and ineffective, treating symptoms while ignoring the root causes like poor intelligence and underfunded security forces. Claims of being on top of the situation ring hollow when schools, villages, and highways remain soft targets daily.” He challenged the lack of proactive measures, adding, “This is not governance; it’s surrender disguised as control. Nigerians deserve better than empty rhetoric while lives are lost and communities flee” . His remarks align with ADC’s broader push for citizen-centered security reforms .
Recent incidents underscore Umar’s critique. In late November 2025, gunmen abducted over 300 children and staff from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, with security forces rescuing only a fraction—around 50 escaped or were freed—leaving at least 250 still missing despite government promises . The Catholic bishop lambasted the “no meaningful effort” in rescues, mirroring Umar’s stance . Just days ago, bandits kidnapped over 30 people in Borno and Kano states, including 25 from villages in Unguwar Tsamiya and Dabawa .
The violence continues unchecked, with a two-week rampage through November claiming 490 captives across Sokoto, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Borno, and even Abuja’s outskirts, where seven mourners vanished . Insurgent groups like JNIM and ISWAP have intensified operations, driving hunger and instability . Umar urged unity beyond partisan lines to overhaul security, warning that politicizing the crisis worsens it .
Hon Umar, concluded, ” imagine what would have happened, if the APC were to be the opposition. All hell would have broken loose, at least, we saw that during the Jonathan presidency”.
He called on the APC to safeguard citizens of this country, which is what they promised Nigerians, while insisting the ADC is better prepared for purposeful leadership.