The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has voiced strong criticism regarding the recent U.S. airstrikes on suspected terrorist sites in Sokoto State, deeming the operation a significant indicator of the current administration’s shortcomings in addressing Nigeria’s pervasive security crises. The party argues that while acknowledging the gravity of the nation’s security threats, the deployment of foreign military forces on Nigerian territory raises profound questions about national sovereignty and effective governance.
The ADC emphasized that safeguarding lives and eradicating terrorism must remain paramount national objectives, and the party supports all legitimate and efficacious strategies aimed at re-establishing peace and order. However, it firmly asserted that Nigeria should not permit a sense of urgency to undermine its autonomy and the principle of self-determination in managing its internal affairs.
In its statement, the party reiterated its long-standing opposition to the physical presence and operational activities of foreign military units within Nigeria. The ADC contends that the current security challenges should not be leveraged as a pretext to compromise the nation’s sovereignty, advocating for a robust, domestically-led approach to security.
Responding to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes, which reportedly occurred on December 25, 2025, the ADC characterized the action as a potentially desperate and temporary measure. The party cautioned against allowing such foreign interventions to supplant or overshadow indigenous security solutions, stressing the imperative of Nigeria developing and implementing its own strategies.
The opposition party further leveled accusations of incompetence against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, suggesting that the reliance on foreign military intervention reflects a fundamental failure in leadership. According to the ADC, this situation arises when a government prioritizes revenue generation over crucial national security and diplomatic engagements, relegating them to secondary concerns.
The ADC also expressed significant concern over the manner in which Nigerians were informed about the airstrikes, describing the communication strategy as troubling. The party noted that such a sensitive and historically significant event was initially disclosed through a social media post by the American President, rather than through official Nigerian channels.
“When it suits political messaging, the President addresses Nigerians directly,” stated Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary. “But on an issue as serious as a foreign military strike on Nigerian soil, Nigerians heard it first from the U.S., while the only response from Nigeria came through a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
This perceived communication gap, the ADC argued, demonstrates a worrying lack of grasp regarding the profound implications of the situation. The party therefore urged the federal government to adopt a more transparent approach, demanding clear information on the number of terrorists neutralized in the strike and insisting that the government assume full responsibility for the nation’s security.
