The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government for its rapid intervention in the recent coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, describing the move as a stark contrast to the government’s sluggish response to persistent insecurity within Nigeria.
In a statement on Monday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said while the intervention in Benin was commendable, it raised serious questions about the government’s priorities and commitment to protecting Nigerian lives.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes Nigeria’s swift intervention in the Benin Republic following the announcement of a coup attempt. We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood,” Abdullahi stated.
However, the party questioned why such urgency has not been applied to address growing insecurity across Nigerian communities.
“If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats across our borders, why has our government demonstrated such outrageous incompetence in dealing with domestic insecurity?” the party queried.
The ADC also reminded the Federal Government that any military or security deployment outside Nigeria’s borders must follow constitutional provisions, including obtaining approval from the National Assembly.
The party stressed that bypassing such procedures undermines democratic principles and erodes accountability.
Highlighting inconsistencies in Nigeria’s regional security efforts, the ADC cited the government’s delayed response to the crisis in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former Nigerian President was reportedly caught in the unrest.
“Why were we not as swift in responding to the crisis in Guinea-Bissau? What determines when Nigeria acts firmly and when it delays?” the party asked.
The ADC expressed concern that such selective engagement could suggest the influence of foreign interests, thereby damaging Nigeria’s credibility as a regional power.
While reiterating its opposition to unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, the ADC argued that no administration can credibly defend democracy abroad while failing to protect its citizens at home.
“A government that can act swiftly abroad must also act decisively at home. The defence of democracy does not begin in neighbouring countries; it begins in the protection of Nigerian lives,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC concluded by urging elected leaders in the region to make democracy meaningful by improving the lives of citizens and allowing opposition voices to thrive.
“The best possible safeguard against military adventurism is for elected governments to make democracy meaningful to the people by improving their lives and allowing opposition to thrive,” the party added.
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