The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has accused the Federal Government of prioritising political calculations for the 2027 elections over addressing Nigeria’s worsening security and economic challenges.
The lawmakers made the allegation during a press conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday, where they expressed concern over rising insecurity, economic hardship, and what they described as efforts to weaken opposition parties through the courts.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi said Nigeria was facing a critical period marked by widespread violence, kidnappings, and declining public confidence in governance.
Reps Mourn Slain Retired General
The caucus condemned the reported killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was allegedly abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State before later dying in captivity.
Describing the incident as a national tragedy, Agbedi said the death of a retired senior military officer highlighted the country’s deteriorating security situation.
“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 lawmakers noted that the incident followed the deaths of several military personnel in the ongoing fight against insurgency and banditry, warning that insecurity continues to spread across many parts of the country.
Calls for Urgent Security Action
The caucus urged President Bola Tinubu to present a comprehensive and effective strategy to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats affecting communities nationwide.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over the continued captivity of teachers and schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State, calling for urgent action to secure their release.
“As we speak, school children and their teachers abducted in Oyo State remain in captivity. Their crime? Going to school in Nigeria,” Agbedi stated.
According to the caucus, a coordinated rescue operation should be launched immediately, stressing that every additional day in captivity increases the risk faced by the victims.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Court Judgment
The Minority Caucus also criticised a recent Federal High Court ruling directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties.
The lawmakers argued that the judgment could create uncertainty within the political system and potentially weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Agbedi claimed the decision contradicted an existing Court of Appeal ruling and failed to adequately consider submissions made by INEC regarding the electoral performance of the affected parties.
“We consider Justice Lifu’s judgment as a calculated attempt to muscle legitimate opposition out of the race for the 2027 presidency,” he said.
The caucus, however, welcomed the reported intervention of the Court of Appeal, which it said had temporarily halted the implementation of the lower court’s judgment.
‘Focus on Governance, Not 2027’
The lawmakers accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency of paying greater attention to political manoeuvring ahead of the next election cycle instead of addressing pressing national concerns.
They pointed to rising food prices, economic difficulties, insecurity, and declining living standards as issues requiring immediate government intervention.
“The life of every Nigerian matters. Politics must take the back seat when the nation bleeds. We must secure Nigeria first,” Agbedi said.
Caucus Demands Security and Economic Recovery Plan
Among its recommendations, the Minority Caucus called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s security architecture and a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and death of Major General Rabe Abubakar.
The lawmakers also urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address what they described as conflicting judicial decisions relating to political party registration.
Additionally, they called on President Tinubu to suspend activities related to the 2027 elections and instead focus on implementing a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan aimed at addressing insecurity and economic hardship.
The caucus vowed to continue using legislative mechanisms to hold the government accountable, insisting that opposition parties must be allowed to participate freely in Nigeria’s democratic process without intimidation or interference.