The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over the recent United States airstrikes on suspected terrorist locations in Sokoto State, describing the development as a sign of failure in handling Nigeria’s security challenges.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said while it recognises the serious security threats facing the country, the involvement of foreign troops on Nigerian soil raises serious concerns about sovereignty and governance.
The ADC said protecting lives and defeating terrorism should remain a top national priority, adding that it supports all lawful and effective measures aimed at restoring security.
However, the party stressed that Nigeria must not allow desperation to weaken its independence.
“We have always opposed the physical presence and operations of foreign military forces on Nigerian soil,” the statement said.
“Our current security challenges should not be used as an excuse to compromise the sovereignty of the country.”
Reacting to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes carried out on December 25, 2025, the ADC said it could only accept the action as a desperate and temporary step, warning that it must not replace Nigeria-led solutions to domestic security problems.
The opposition party went further to accuse the Tinubu administration of incompetence, arguing that the foreign strike reflects a failure of leadership.
According to the ADC, this is what happens when a government treats national security and diplomacy as secondary issues, while focusing mainly on revenue generation.
The party also faulted the way Nigerians were informed about the airstrikes.
It described the communication as troubling, noting that such a sensitive and historic issue was first announced through a social media post by the American President.
“When it suits political messaging, the President addresses Nigerians directly,” Abdullahi said.
“But on an issue as serious as a foreign military strike on Nigerian soil, Nigerians heard it first from the U.S., while the only response from Nigeria came through a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
The ADC said this approach shows a worrying lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation and called on the federal government to be transparent.
It urged authorities to clearly inform Nigerians how many terrorists were actually killed in the strike and to take full responsibility for securing the country.