The Parliamentary Advocacy Centre has criticised comments by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, describing his remarks as politically motivated and unhelpful to efforts aimed at addressing the country’s challenges.
Agbedi had last week urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend activities related to the 2027 general elections and concentrate on tackling insecurity and economic hardship across the country.
The lawmaker also advised the President to prioritise the welfare and security of Nigerians rather than what he described as early political calculations ahead of the next election cycle.
However, reacting in a statement issued on Monday, PAC said that although concerns about insecurity remain valid and deserve urgent attention, political leaders must avoid turning national security into a partisan issue.
In the statement signed by its President, Itodo Vincent, the organisation accused Agbedi of politicising a sensitive national concern.
“It is unfortunate that Hon Fred Agbedi chose to politicise an issue as sensitive as national security. Nigerians expect practical solutions and constructive engagement from political leaders, not statements designed to score partisan points,” the statement read in part.
Nigeria has continued to grapple with multiple security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, insurgency in parts of the North-East, communal clashes and attacks by armed groups in several states. The security situation has remained a major issue of public concern, attracting criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups and affected communities.
Against this backdrop, PAC argued that the country’s security challenges predate the current administration and require sustained cooperation among stakeholders to achieve meaningful progress.
The group noted that addressing insecurity would require the combined efforts of government institutions, security agencies, local communities and political actors, rather than public exchanges capable of deepening political divisions.
According to the organisation, Agbedi’s remarks and demands directed at the President were inappropriate, given the responsibilities attached to his office.
“For a serving Minority Leader to issue what amounts to an ultimatum to the President and suggest that he should resign if security challenges are not resolved within six months is reckless and unbecoming of a statesman,” he said.
PAC further alleged that the Minority Leader’s intervention appeared driven more by political considerations than genuine concern for resolving the security crisis.
“We believe such comments are aimed more at advancing opposition political interests ahead of the 2027 elections than addressing the security concerns of Nigerians,” he said.
The organisation stressed that security should not become a platform for political contestation and urged leaders across party lines to support measures aimed at improving public safety and economic stability.
“Security is a collective responsibility and should not be reduced to a platform for political posturing. What Nigerians need at this moment are ideas, cooperation and support for ongoing efforts to improve security and economic stability, not inflammatory comments,” the statement added.
PAC also expressed sympathy to victims of insecurity and their families, particularly those affected by kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks in different parts of the country.
The group maintained that responsible leadership, national unity and collaboration remain essential to tackling the country’s security challenges.
“Governance and politics are not mutually exclusive in a democracy,” the statement read, adding that political actors should focus on strengthening institutions and supporting initiatives capable of restoring public confidence in government.
It further called on opposition leaders to offer practical policy alternatives and support measures that could improve security outcomes rather than engage in what it described as premature political campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
PAC reaffirmed its support for the Federal Government’s efforts to improve security and revive the economy, while urging political leaders to place national interest above partisan considerations as the country confronts its security and economic challenges.
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