ADC knocks Tinubu over absence

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The African Democratic Congress ( ADC) has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s absence at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The ADC, in a statement by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday, said the unavailability of President Tinubu at such a solemn event was troubling. It noted that the President’s presence would have been a symbol of solidarity with the troops at their families.

The opposition party noted that at a time when the when the military is overstretched owing to the different security challenges confronting the country, leadership cannot be outsourced.

The statement read: “Today, the ADC joins Nigerians, especially our military families, in commemorating the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the men and women who have laid down their lives in defence of our nation.

“This is ordinarily a solemn national moment, one that demands presence, reflection, and leadership at the highest level. It is therefore deeply troubling that the President of the Federal Republic is absent and unavailable on a day meant to symbolise solidarity with our armed forces and the families who continue to bear the cost of Nigeria’s security failures.

“At a time when Nigerian soldiers are overstretched across multiple fronts, battling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime, leadership cannot be outsourced, postponed, or treated as ceremonial. The physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief on this day is not optional, it is a statement of respect, responsibility, and shared sacrifice.

“The ADC honours the fallen, stands with serving personnel, and recognises the quiet resilience of military families who continue to pay the ultimate price for a nation that has yet to match their sacrifice with competent governance, clear strategy, and genuine political will.

“Remembrance must go beyond wreaths and words. It must be reflected in leadership that shows up, takes responsibility, and places the lives of Nigerians above image management, foreign trips, or political convenience.”