Nigerian opposition accuses Tinubu of lacking empathy amid crises
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council is urging Bola Tinubu to respond more effectively to violence, kidnappings and Nigerians’ economic hardships, citing Emmanuel Macron as an example. The party links its criticism to the announced postponement of the French president’s visit to Nigeria, scheduled for 28 and 29 October 2026, and cites deaths in custody in Niger State, according to its spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan.
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC), the campaign body of Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress, has accused President Bola Tinubu of showing too little empathy towards people facing insecurity, hunger and the rising cost of living, Vanguard reports. In a statement signed by its media director, Kola Ologbondiyan, the council called on the president to take inspiration from French President Emmanuel Macron.
The opposition linked its criticism to the announced postponement of Macron’s state visit to Nigeria, scheduled for 28 and 29 October 2026, as well as the France-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos. The trip was reportedly put back to early 2027 because of domestic difficulties in France, according to information cited by the campaign council.
The ADC-PCC also condemned attacks and killings in several Nigerian states, including Plateau, Niger, Benue, Zamfara and Kaduna. It called for government intervention, an investigation and accountability after a reported incident in Niger State: more than 60 young people were allegedly detained in inhumane conditions and more than 37 died in detention. The council criticised Tinubu’s response, saying Vice-President Kashim Shettima visited the state several weeks after the incident, following a visit by former vice-president Atiku Abubakar to affected communities.
The opposition’s criticism comes after the ruling APC party chairman said on 25 October that Nigeria supported Tinubu’s re-election.
