By Peter Salami
Newly-installed House of Representatives Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the Federal Government of focusing more on the politics of the 2027 general elections than on addressing the twin crises of insecurity and economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
In what appeared to be his strongest public intervention since assuming leadership of the opposition caucus in the Green Chamber, Agbedi accused the ruling APC-led government of neglecting its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property while allegedly presiding over a gradual erosion of democratic space through attempts to weaken opposition political parties.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly on behalf of the minority caucus, Agbedi said Nigeria was facing one of its most dangerous periods since the return to democratic rule, with citizens increasingly exposed to terrorist attacks, kidnappings and violent crime while political tensions continued to rise.
“The life of every Nigerian matters,” he declared. “Politics must take a back seat to first secure the nation.”
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, the lawmaker said the administration must urgently redirect its attention from political calculations to governance.
The caucus particularly condemned the killing of retired Major-General Abubakar Rabe, who died while in terrorists’ captivity in Katsina State, describing the incident as a national tragedy and a damning reflection of the country’s deteriorating security situation.
The lawmakers also questioned the circumstances surrounding the subsequent release of the late general’s wife and called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the entire episode.
According to Agbedi, Nigerians deserve answers as to how terrorists have become emboldened enough to abduct and kill senior military officers with apparent impunity.
The opposition caucus also condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, demanding what it described as an immediate, coordinated, and intelligence-driven rescue operation to secure their freedom.
Agbedi argued that despite the emergency measures announced by the Federal Government to tackle insecurity, the situation on the ground continued to deteriorate, requiring a fundamental restructuring of the nation’s security framework.
He called for an immediate overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, increased investment in intelligence gathering, better welfare packages for frontline troops, and more effective deployment of security resources.
“The nation requires funding for security intelligence, not propaganda,” he said. “It requires improved welfare for frontline troops and not political patronage.”
The caucus further urged the government to launch a special military operation within 72 hours to secure the release of the abducted students and teachers, insisting that Nigerians were tired of recurring excuses whenever such incidents occurred.
Beyond security concerns, Agbedi accused the government of allegedly encouraging actions capable of weakening democratic opposition ahead of the next general election.
The minority leader cited the controversial judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the deregistration of five political parties, before its implementation was halted by the Court of Appeal.
According to him, the judgement and related developments have heightened fears among opposition politicians that efforts may be underway to narrow Nigeria’s political space and reduce electoral competition before 2027.
He urged advocates of political pluralism to remain vigilant against any attempt to undermine multiparty democracy and called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to intervene in order to address what he described as conflicting judicial pronouncements capable of damaging the credibility of the judiciary.
Agbedi also challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission to resist any pressure that could compromise its neutrality.
According to him, opposition lawmakers would resist any attempt to manipulate the electoral environment ahead of the next election cycle.
“We will not accept a 2027 election rigged before it begins,” he said.
The minority leader vowed that opposition parties would continue to use all constitutional and legislative means available to hold the government accountable.
“We, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, will not be silent. We will not be intimidated. We will use every legislative instrument to hold this government accountable,” he declared.
Addressing Nigerians directly, Agbedi urged citizens not to lose faith in the democratic process, insisting that the outcome of the 2027 elections would ultimately be determined by voters and not by courtrooms or political backroom arrangements.
“To Nigerians, do not despair. 2027 will not be decided in a room or by compromised courts. It will be decided by you, the people. The opposition parties will stand with you. The opposition will not be muscled out. Nigeria will be rescued,” he said.
The remarks mark Agbedi’s most forceful broadside yet against the Tinubu administration and signal what may be a more confrontational posture by the opposition caucus as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum.