Nigeria Opposition Urges Tinubu to Defer 2027 Politicking, Prioritize Security and Economy

Amid escalating violence and economic hardship, Nigeria's minority caucus in the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend all political activities related to the 2027 elections and instead announce a six-month national security and economic recovery plan. The appeal was made by Minority Leader Fred Agbedi during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, June 18, 2026, where he accused the administration of prioritizing re-election politics over the safety and welfare of citizens. He stated that the country faces an unprecedented crisis marked by killings, kidnappings, and economic difficulties, as well as attempts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next election cycle.

The call was echoed by several prominent figures, including former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Dangiwa Umar, who, in an open letter to President Tinubu, commended the president's recognition of June 12 heroes but delivered a stark critique of the nation's current trajectory. Umar urged the administration to urgently address pressing national crises, particularly insecurity and poverty. Similarly, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ade Ajakaiye, intensified demands for the creation of state police, citing a National Human Rights Commission report indicating that 2,266 persons were killed in just six months. He argued that Nigeria's centralized policing structure has become overstretched and incapable of responding effectively to emerging security threats.

The appeal for security reforms was further reinforced by Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, and Professor Akin Alao of Obafemi Awolowo University, who stressed the need for effective reforms and the speedy completion of legislative processes to establish state police. They urged President Tinubu and the Senate to expedite action on the state police bill, following the House of Representatives' approval of a constitutional amendment last week. It is expected that the bill will be a priority when the Senate convenes for an emergency sitting on June 23 to deliberate on national security and other urgent issues.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by a recent attack in Kaduna State, where bandits killed nine people and injured 11 others in Unguwar Magaji community, Kamaru Ward of Kauru Local Government Area. Joseph Yonkpa, spokesperson for the Irigwe Youth Movement, confirmed the incident, noting that the initial death toll of two was later raised to nine after search and recovery operations. The attackers used firearms and targeted children with machetes, leaving residents deeply traumatized. Agbedi, flanked by colleagues, declared: “The life of every Nigerian matters. Politics must take the back seat when the nation bleeds. We must secure Nigeria first. President Tinubu must suspend all 2027 political activities and declare a six-month national security and economic recovery plan. Lead or leave.”