A former Secretary-General of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, and a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition, Ayo Opadokun, has declared that the rising insecurity across Nigeria is not accidental but the result of a long-planned plot by destructive forces within and outside the country.
Naijaonpoint reports that Opadokun stated this on Sunday, December 21, while speaking on the sidelines of his installation as the Grand Patron of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Offa Local Government Area branch, Kwara State.
The elder statesman said bandits and insurgents ravaging communities nationwide were being sponsored by different interests bent on destabilising the country.
“Some Nigerians, including agents who want to destabilise Nigeria and those who don’t want this government, had taken far-reaching decisions over and ahead of Nigeria a long time ago,” Opadokun said.
He described the prevailing security situation as deeply worrisome, warning that Nigeria had reached a dangerous point where non-state actors possessed weapons more sophisticated than those of the nation’s conventional armed forces.
‘Government Ignored Early Warnings’
According to Opadokun, successive governments were warned about the looming danger but failed to act decisively.
“But they never listened,” he said.
“I can say this without any fear of contradiction from any quarter. I was at Nicon Hilton in August 2022, where there was a four-day powerful meeting of elements comprising some Nigerians and Sahel region structures, planning how to overrun Nigeria. We’re all seeing the outcome now.
“We all heard what El-Rufai said. So, the current situation is not accidental. It’s a planned thing.”
He urged the Federal Government to intensify its fight against insurgency, stressing that there should no longer be mercy for bandits and those sponsoring them.
Tinubu Praised For Bold Economic Reforms
Opadokun commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as bold and far-reaching economic reforms, particularly in the area of taxation, saying the President was “taking a shot at fiscal federalism.”
“Last year, I told you that the tax reform bill would pass through. The new tax rule is taking a shot at fiscal federalism. By January next year, a large crowd of Nigerians will pay no tax at all because they don’t need to.
“What they are earning is not sufficient to take care of their welfare, and yet the state keeps harassing them.”
He added that the new tax regime would significantly affect major institutions, including banks.
“The banks have been ripping us off. People should appreciate what President Tinubu has succeeded in doing thus far. But he has not reached what we desire,” he said.
Reiterating NADECO’s long-standing position, Opadokun said the coalition’s ultimate goal remained the return of Nigeria to true constitutional governance.
“As NADECO members, our goal is for Nigeria to return to constitutional governance. This unitarised federal government was foisted on us by politicians in uniform. Nigeria has not produced its own home-grown constitution,” he said.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, Opadokun said Nigeria stood at a defining moment in its history as of December 2025.
“Nigeria stands at a critical point in its historical journey. The present administration has embarked on far-reaching structural reforms, particularly in the economic sphere, aimed at addressing long-standing systemic weaknesses,” he said.
He noted that while economic indicators showed some positive outlook, such gains would remain meaningless if they failed to improve the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“These positive indicators will remain elitist pastimes until they translate into better quality of life for ordinary Nigerians,” the Afenifere chief stressed.
While expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s capacity to deliver, Opadokun acknowledged that the immediate social impact of the reforms had been harsh.
Opadokun said: “Inflation, rising cost of living, declining purchasing power, and pressure on small businesses and fixed-income earners have deepened public hardship. Any honest assessment must acknowledge that the burden of reform has fallen disproportionately on ordinary citizens.”
He said leadership during difficult times must be driven not only by decisiveness but also by empathy and transparent communication.
“Policies, no matter how well-intentioned, gain legitimacy only when citizens understand them and feel protected within the process,” he added.
On national security and cohesion, Opadokun warned that military action alone would not stabilise the country.
“Beyond force, national stability requires justice, inclusion, fairness, and continuous dialogue among Nigeria’s diverse peoples,” he said.
He cautioned against simplistic judgments of the Tinubu administration, noting that the country was undergoing a transition.
“The ultimate measure of this government will not rest solely on the boldness of its reforms, but on how effectively those reforms translate into dignity, opportunity, and hope for the average Nigerian,” Opadokun noted.
The elder statesman concluded by calling for restraint in public discourse, patience where necessary, and accountability across all levels of leadership.
“Constructive criticism, national unity, and a shared commitment to the common good remain essential if Nigeria is to emerge stronger from this difficult but defining period,” Opadokun said.