The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has accused the Federal Government (FG) of focusing on political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections while failing to address worsening insecurity and economic hardship across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi said Nigerians were facing growing security threats, rising living costs and increasing political tension.
He alleged that the administration was more concerned with weakening opposition parties than tackling the challenges confronting citizens.
The caucus expressed concern over the recent death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was reportedly abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State and later died while in captivity.
Agbedi described the incident as a painful reminder of the country’s deteriorating security situation. He argued that the killing of a retired military officer raised serious questions about the government’s ability to protect lives and property.
According to him, if a senior officer who dedicated his life to defending the nation could fall victim to kidnappers, ordinary Nigerians were even more vulnerable.
He added that the incident highlighted the urgent need for stronger security measures across the country.
The lawmakers noted that the tragedy came amid a series of attacks that have claimed the lives of security personnel and civilians in different parts of Nigeria.
They called on President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
The caucus also called for urgent action to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Agbedi urged security agencies to mount a coordinated rescue operation, warning that prolonged captivity could put the victims at greater risk. He lamented that innocent pupils seeking education had become targets of criminal elements.
On the political front, the lawmakers criticised a recent Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five opposition political parties.
The caucus argued that the ruling could create uncertainty within the political system and undermine democratic competition ahead of the next general election.
Agbedi maintained that the decision appeared inconsistent with an earlier Court of Appeal ruling and did not reflect information previously provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While welcoming the appellate court’s intervention to halt the implementation of the order, the opposition lawmakers accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of placing excessive attention on the 2027 elections instead of addressing pressing national concerns.
To reverse the current trend, the caucus urged the FG to undertake a comprehensive review of the nation’s security framework and launch a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction and death of General Abubakar.
The lawmakers also appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address conflicting court judgments relating to political parties and electoral matters.
In addition, they called on Tinubu to suspend early political activities linked to the 2027 elections and concentrate on addressing insecurity and economic challenges.
The caucus proposed a six-month national recovery programme focused on restoring security, stabilising the economy and rebuilding public confidence.
It also pledged to continue holding the executive accountable through legislative oversight and other constitutional means.
