The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged President Bola Tinubu to reveal the true reason behind the sudden removal of the nation’s service chiefs, describing the decision as abrupt and raising eyebrows amid swirling reports of an alleged coup attempt.
In a statement issued by its National Spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party acknowledged that President Tinubu reserves the constitutional right to appoint or dismiss service chiefs.
However, it questioned the timing and motive behind the sweeping changes within Nigeria’s top military command.
“Our position remains that the Federal Government owes Nigerians a categorical explanation of what truly transpired,” the statement read. “As an opposition party, our concern is the stability of our nation and the preservation of democracy. Given the recent political upheavals in neighbouring Chad and other Sahel countries, we are gravely concerned.”
On Friday, President Tinubu announced a major shake-up in the security hierarchy, removing General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and appointing General Olufemi Oluyede, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, as his replacement.
Others affected in the reshuffle include Major-General W. Shaibu, now the new Chief of Army Staff; Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, appointed Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral I. Abbas, who assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff.
The development came on the heels of unconfirmed reports alleging a coup plot and the arrest of some military officers — claims the Presidency has since dismissed as false.
Yet, the ADC insists the sudden overhaul of the military leadership suggests deeper issues within the security establishment.
“Without prejudice to whatever may have occurred recently, it is apparent that the Tinubu administration has become distracted,” the party added.
“Insecurity is worsening, with terrorist groups regaining ground and bandits terrorizing communities.
However, that cannot explain the timing or scale of this change. A near-total replacement of military leadership at this point only fuels rumours and conspiracy theories.”
Security Expert Faults DHQ’s Response to Coup Allegations
Meanwhile, global security analyst and professor Ademola Abass has criticized the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for its handling of the alleged coup rumours, saying its response failed to clarify matters for the public.
The DHQ had earlier denied that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade was linked to coup fears. But Professor Abass argued that the military’s statement did little to dispel widespread speculation.
“What came out of the military headquarters did not help Nigerians who are already inclined to believe that the so-called coup rumours were true,” he said.
His comments followed President Tinubu’s sweeping reshuffle of the armed forces, which many observers continue to link to the alleged coup plot — an allegation the Presidency has repeatedly dismissed.
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