……Says insecurity worsening, judiciary
being weaponized to weaken opposition
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives on Wednesday accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of prioritising 2027 election politics over governance, warning that Nigeria is “on the brink” due to worsening insecurity, economic hardship and what it described as attempts to cripple opposition parties ahead of the next general election.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly in Abuja, the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Fred Agbedi, said the country was “bleeding” under the weight of kidnappings, killings, judicial controversies and economic difficulties.
The caucus condemned the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in captivity, describing the incident as a national disgrace and evidence of the deteriorating security situation in the country.
“If a General who once defended this country is no longer safe, then no Nigerian is safe,” Agbedi said.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, accusing the government of normalising insecurity through what they called a lack of decisive action.
They called for an immediate rescue operation and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted persons across the country.
On the political front, the caucus alleged that recent legal battles involving opposition parties formed part of a broader strategy to weaken political opponents before the 2027 elections.
The lawmakers specifically criticised a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties, describing it as a move capable of creating judicial confusion and undermining democracy.
According to the caucus, the decision appeared designed to frustrate opposition parties and shrink the democratic space ahead of the next election cycle.
The lawmakers, however, welcomed the intervention of the Court of Appeal, which halted the implementation of the ruling, and urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address what they described as conflicting court decisions on party registration.
Beyond security and politics, the caucus painted a grim picture of the nation’s economic condition, citing rising hardship, hunger, kidnappings and public frustration across the country.
They accused the ruling party of focusing on endorsements, defections and re-election strategies while millions of Nigerians struggle with worsening living conditions.
Among its demands, the caucus called for an overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, improved welfare for security personnel, a transparent investigation into the killing of General Abubakar, and stronger protection of democratic institutions.
The lawmakers also urged President Tinubu to suspend political activities related to the 2027 elections and instead launch a six-month national security and economic recovery plan.
“The attempt to weaken opposition parties through judicial means while Nigerians face daily killings, kidnappings and hardship is unacceptable,” the caucus said.
The lawmakers vowed to deploy all legislative measures available to hold the government accountable and insisted that the outcome of the 2027 elections would be determined by Nigerians and not by political manoeuvres or court decisions.
