The Parliamentary Advocacy Centre (PAC) has condemned remarks by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, over Nigeria’s security challenges, describing his comments as political grandstanding that offers little help in tackling the country’s pressing problems.
In a statement issued earlier today, June 22, and signed by its President, Itodo Vincent, the group said Agbedi’s criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was unfortunate and risked turning a national security issue into a political contest ahead of the 2027 elections.
Agbedi had earlier accused the President of concentrating on re-election politics rather than the welfare and security of Nigerians. He also urged Tinubu to suspend all activities linked to the 2027 elections and focus on a six-month national security and economic recovery programme.
Responding to the comments, PAC acknowledged that insecurity remains a serious concern requiring urgent action but argued that political leaders should avoid exploiting the situation for partisan gain.
The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s security crisis predates the current administration and can only be addressed through collective efforts involving government institutions, security agencies, communities and political stakeholders.
“It is unfortunate that Hon. Fred Agbedi chose to politicise an issue as sensitive as national security. Nigerians expect practical solutions and constructive engagement from political leaders, not statements designed to score partisan points,” Vincent said.
PAC also criticised Agbedi’s six-month ultimatum to the President, describing it as inappropriate for a senior political office holder.
“For a serving Minority Leader to issue what amounts to an ultimatum to the President and suggest that he should resign if security challenges are not resolved within six months is reckless and unbecoming of a statesman,” the group wrote.
“We believe such comments are aimed mre at advancing opposition political interests ahead of the 2027 elections than addressing the security concerns of Nigerians. To us, it appears that Hon. Agbedi is running errands for opposition figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Peter Obi, rather than offering constructive solutions to the nation’s challenges.
“Security is a collective responsibility and should not be reduced to a platform for political posturing. What Nigerians need at this moment are ideas, cooperation and support for ongoing efforts to improve security and economic stability, not inflammatory comments.”
The group expressed sympathy to families affected by kidnapping, banditry and other violent attacks across the country, stressing that every Nigerian life matters irrespective of political affiliation.
PAC, however, insisted that solving the country’s security challenges requires responsible leadership, national unity and cooperation rather than divisive rhetoric.
According to Vincent, governance and politics can coexist in a democracy, but political actors must focus on strengthening institutions and supporting measures aimed at restoring public confidence in government.
The organisation further urged opposition figures to provide practical policy alternatives and support initiatives capable of improving security outcomes instead of engaging in what it described as early political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections.
