ABUJA, Nigeria – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly defended President Bola Tinubu against speculations that rising insecurity in Nigeria could be a plot to undermine his chances in the 2027 elections, similar to the insecurity-related defeat of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
The ruling party responded to concerns about the escalating violence in parts of Nigeria, stating that unlike Jonathan’s government, which faltered due to insecurity, the APC will not allow itself to be defeated by its own failures.
The party emphasized that President Tinubu is fully aware of the challenges and is taking decisive measures to address the insecurity.
APC spokesperson, Bala Ibrahim, said that the government is determined to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and will not “blindfold itself” or allow the same fate that befell the Jonathan administration.
According to Ibrahim, the party is already taking proactive steps to address the security situation, notably through the efforts of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is working on strategies to combat insurgency.
In particular, Ibrahim highlighted President Tinubu’s direction to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to the North-West, the epicenter of the ongoing banditry, which has reportedly contributed to military successes.
Ibrahim assured Nigerians that the government is focused on improving security and tackling insurgents, with positive results already visible in areas previously deemed unsafe.
However, he acknowledged that challenges remain, citing regions still experiencing heightened insecurity, but emphasized that these challenges are signs of progress as the government pushes towards victory.
The APC also pointed out that international dynamics, particularly Nigeria’s strained relations with some of its Francophone neighbors, have contributed to the security situation.
Ibrahim suggested that these geopolitical tensions have impacted Nigeria’s ability to collaborate with neighboring countries in combating insecurity.
In conclusion, Ibrahim assured Nigerians that despite the persistent security challenges, the administration’s efforts are yielding results, and the government remains committed to protecting citizens and ensuring safety across the country.
He affirmed that while there are still hotspots of violence, the government’s security initiatives are working, and the situation will continue to improve.
