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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately cut short his trip to the United Kingdom and return to Nigeria, following a series of deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.ADC Party Merchandise

The attacks, which have sent shockwaves across the country, reportedly claimed the lives of no fewer than 23 people and left many others injured, reigniting fears over the resurgence of terrorism in the North-East region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, condemned the attacks and expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families. He also commended emergency responders and security operatives who worked tirelessly to assist the wounded and restore calm in the aftermath of the explosions.

However, beyond condolences, the ADC raised serious concerns about what it described as a troubling lack of urgency and focus by the federal government at a time when national security appears to be deteriorating.Bola Tinubu Biography.

“The country is facing a grave security crisis, and yet the leadership appears distracted,” the statement read in part. “At a time when Nigerians are being killed, when communities are under siege, and when fear is spreading across the land, the President is abroad. Nigeria cannot afford this absence of leadership.”

The party warned that the latest attacks in Maiduguri should not be dismissed as isolated incidents, stressing that the city holds deep symbolic and strategic importance in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Once considered the epicentre of insurgent violence, Maiduguri had in recent years experienced relative stability compared to the peak years of attacks.Nigeria News Updates

According to the ADC, the resurgence of bombings in the city raises alarming questions about the current state of security and the effectiveness of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.Presidential News Updates

“There was a time when Maiduguri was synonymous with terror. Through sacrifices by security forces and the resilience of the people, a measure of peace was restored. We must not allow the city to slide back into those dark days,” Abdullahi said.

The party accused the federal government of misplaced priorities, alleging that key figures in the administration are more focused on political maneuvering than addressing pressing security challenges. It specifically pointed to what it described as distractions within the leadership structure, including political engagements and partisan activities.Politics

Without naming specific individuals in detail, the ADC criticized the broader pattern of governance, arguing that the focus on political consolidation ahead of future elections is undermining the government’s fundamental responsibility to protect lives and property.

“It is unacceptable that at a moment like this, those entrusted with the safety of Nigerians are preoccupied with political calculations. Governance must take precedence over politics. Lives are being lost, and every second counts,” the statement added.

Central to the ADC’s demand is the immediate return of President Tinubu to Nigeria to personally take charge of the situation. The party argued that leadership, especially during times of crisis, requires physical presence, decisive action, and clear communication to reassure citizens.

“The President must return home now. This is not a time for distance leadership. Nigerians need to see and hear from their leader. They need assurance that their government is fully engaged and committed to ending this wave of violence,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC further emphasized that presidential presence during national emergencies is not merely symbolic but also critical for coordination among security agencies and for boosting public confidence.

Beyond calling for Tinubu’s return, the party also urged the federal government to take concrete steps to support victims of the attacks. It called for immediate compensation for families who lost loved ones, as well as medical and financial assistance for those injured.Bola Tinubu Biography

According to the ADC, acknowledging responsibility through compensation is a vital component of governance and accountability.

“When citizens lose their lives due to security failures, the government has a duty not only to prevent future occurrences but also to take responsibility for the consequences. Compensation is not charity—it is an obligation,” the statement noted.

Security analysts have long warned that while Nigeria has made gains in degrading insurgent networks, the threat of sporadic attacks remains, particularly in the North-East. The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and suicide bombings continues to pose a significant challenge to security forces.Nigeria News Updates

The latest incident in Maiduguri underscores the fragile nature of the peace in the region and the need for sustained vigilance, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.

Residents of Maiduguri, many of whom have endured years of conflict, expressed renewed fear following the attacks. Some described the explosions as a painful reminder of the past, while others called on the government to strengthen security measures to prevent further tragedies.

“We thought those days were behind us,” said a local trader who narrowly escaped one of the blasts. “Now people are afraid again. We need the government to act quickly.”ADC Party Merchandise

The ADC’s statement adds to growing public concern over security challenges in various parts of Nigeria, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. Critics argue that despite repeated assurances from authorities, many communities continue to feel vulnerable.

While the federal government has yet to formally respond to the ADC’s call, officials have previously maintained that efforts are ongoing to address security threats across the country. Military operations, intelligence collaborations, and regional partnerships have been cited as part of a broader strategy to combat insurgency and criminal activities.

Nevertheless, the opposition party insists that more needs to be done—and urgently.

“The situation demands more than routine statements and reassurances. It requires decisive leadership, accountability, and a clear demonstration that the protection of Nigerian lives is the government’s top priority,” Abdullahi stated.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Maiduguri attacks, the ADC’s call highlights the increasing pressure on the Tinubu administration to respond swiftly and effectively to security threats.

For many Nigerians, the expectation is simple: that their leaders will rise to the occasion in moments of crisis, providing not only direction but also a sense of safety and hope.Bola Tinubu Biography

Whether President Tinubu will heed the call to return immediately remains to be seen. However, the urgency of the situation in Maiduguri—and the broader concerns about national security—continue to dominate public discourse, reinforcing the need for strong and focused leadership at a critical time in the country’s history.