•Tinubu and House of Representatives
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives on Wednesday accused the federal government of focusing on political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections while insecurity, economic hardship and judicial controversies continue to worsen across the country.
Addressing the press at the National Assembly in Abuja, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi, said the nation was facing a combination of security challenges, economic difficulties and what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties through the courts.
The caucus condemned the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died while in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State, reports Daily Trust.
Agbedi described the incident as a national tragedy and an indictment of the country’s security architecture.
“That a General of the Nigerian Army, who once commanded troops and defended this nation, could be kidnapped alongside his wife and later declared dead under unclear circumstances is a grave indictment of a failed state,” he said.
The caucus said the development underscored the worsening security situation in the country and called on President Bola Tinubu to provide a clear strategy for tackling insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, urging security agencies to intensify efforts towards securing their release.
According to the caucus, every hour the victims remain in captivity poses a threat to their safety and the future of the country.
On the political front, the opposition lawmakers criticised a recent Federal High Court judgment which ordered the deregistration of some political parties, alleging that the move was aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
They, however, welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeal which suspended the enforcement of the judgment, describing it as a step towards protecting democratic pluralism.
The caucus alleged that opposition parties were facing institutional obstacles, including difficulties in registering new political parties and what it termed restrictive electoral processes.
Agbedi urged the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold democratic principles and resist actions capable of undermining confidence in the electoral process.
The lawmakers also painted a grim picture of the country’s economic situation, citing rising hardship, insecurity and declining living conditions across various parts of the country.
They accused the ruling party of concentrating on political activities and endorsements ahead of the next general election instead of addressing pressing national challenges.
Among its demands, the caucus called for an overhaul of the country’s security architecture, improved welfare for security personnel, a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of General Rabe, and urgent efforts to rescue the abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State.
It also urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to intervene in what it described as conflicting judicial pronouncements on political party registration and called on INEC to remain neutral in the political process.
The caucus further urged President Tinubu to focus on addressing security and economic challenges facing the country, insisting that governance should take precedence over political activities.
“We will use every legislative instrument available to hold this government accountable,” Agbedi said.
