The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes carried out in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, describing the development as a clear indication of the government’s failure to address security challenges.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said that while it supports all lawful efforts aimed at protecting Nigerian lives, the involvement of a foreign military force conducting direct attacks on Nigerian soil underscores the administration’s inability to manage the country’s security concerns.
The party warned that permitting foreign troops to carry out military operations within Nigeria is unsustainable and poses a threat to the nation’s sovereignty and long-term strategic interests.
It stressed that Nigeria should be leading such operations, rather than playing a secondary role.
According to the ADC, the federal government’s claim of “collaboration” with the United States raises serious concerns, as Nigeria appeared to function mainly as an intelligence provider instead of exercising full operational control.
The party maintained that Nigerians deserve clarity on who planned the strike, who carried it out, and who was in command on the ground.
The ADC also faulted the handling of information surrounding the airstrike, noting that Nigerians first became aware of the operation through a social media post by the U.S. President.
It described this as deeply troubling, given the sensitivity of a foreign military action conducted within the country.
The party further demanded that the federal government disclose the number and identities of the terrorists killed, as well as the immediate outcomes of the operation.
It questioned why Nigeria could not lead the mission despite years of massive security spending, particularly if it already possessed the necessary intelligence.
The ADC cautioned against confusing security cooperation with what it described as a quiet surrender of responsibility, warning that such an approach could undermine national unity and erode Nigeria’s self-respect.