The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed alarm following President Bola Tinubu’s unexpected reshuffle of Nigeria’s military leadership, stating that the action has intensified public unease against a backdrop of coup attempt speculation.

According to the opposition party, although the president possesses constitutional authority as commander-in-chief to implement such personnel changes, both the sudden nature of the announcement and insufficient explanation accompanying it have sparked concern.

READ ALSO:   Details why ADC suspended national vice chairman, Usani Uguru Usani

These views were conveyed in a Friday statement by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s national publicity secretary.

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Abdullahi highlighted that almost all the removed service chiefs had been in their positions for merely 28 months, while the present Chief of Defence Staff had assumed his previous role as Chief of Army Staff only twelve months prior.

“We reiterate our earlier view that the reactions of government to the dangerous rumour have veered between deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion in a matter that required crystal clarity,” he said.

He further stated that such a decision held “serious and far-reaching implications” for the stability of military command structures and would not have been taken without substantial justification.

“The federal government owes Nigerians a categorical explanation about what truly happened,” he said.

The ADC indicated its concerns stem from the imperative to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic system and maintain order within the military, especially given recent political upheaval in neighboring Chad and across the Sahel region.

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The party charged the Tinubu government with lacking focus, claiming that the security situation nationwide continues deteriorating while authorities prioritize political matters.

“Insecurity continues to spread with terrorist groups staging a comeback in some parts of the country, while bandits reign supreme in other parts,” Abdullahi said.

He cautioned that such extensive changes to military leadership could fuel further speculation and encourage conspiracy theories.

“The federal government must address the issue transparently and reassure Nigerians that our democracy is not under threat,” Abdullahi said.

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Shehu Gabam, the contested National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has rejected his announced removal from the party as “illegal, null and void,” characterizing it as a frantic effort by unauthorized individuals to undermine the party’s structure.

Thursday saw Gabam’s expulsion along with National Youth Leader Ogbonna Uchechukwu and additional party leadership members.

READ ALSO:    SDP expels ex-national chairman Shehu Musa Gabam, other officials 

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Through a Friday statement released in Abuja via his special assistant (legal), Abubakar Baba, Gabam declared the action unconstitutional and without legal standing.

“The said meeting is illegal, null and void, and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement read, referencing Article 13 (iv) of the SDP constitution, which grants exclusive authority to the national chairman for presiding over meetings of the national convention, national executive committee, national working committee, and national caucus.

“Any meeting convened or presided over without the consent of the duly recognised chairman constitutes a gross violation of its constitution and a brazen attempt to usurp legitimate authority,” it added.

Baba additionally charged national secretary Olu Agunloye with violating Part 2 (12) 3 of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations and guidelines for political parties, 2022, through allegedly notifying INEC of the supposed meeting outcomes.

He indicated that a certified true copy (CTC) from INEC verifying Gabam as the acknowledged national chairman of the SDP had been included as evidence.

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“The purported suspension of the chairman and all other members of the party is null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement added.

The statement also claimed that Sadiq, who chaired the meeting announcing the expulsion, “was neither a member of the party nor of its national executive committee and thus had no authority to preside over any of its meetings.”

The statement urged the public to ignore the activities of the “Dr Sadiq-led group,” labeling them as impostors who would be “duly punished by law.”

Meanwhile, the party’s national publicity secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, informed journalists at the SDP national secretariat that Gabam’s removal followed extensive investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

Aiyenigba indicated the action was taken as part of initiatives to reestablish discipline and accountability throughout the party.

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While affirming Gabam’s authority, the statement from his supporters declared the SDP remains dedicated to “upholding the rule of law, maintaining internal order, and protecting the integrity and reputation of the party.”

“The Alhaji Gabam leadership remains focused on building the party and strengthening the nation’s democratic ideals in partnership with loyal members,” it added.

President Bola Tinubu has conducted his inaugural session with the recently appointed service chiefs at the presidential villa in Abuja.

The session occurred within hours of Tinubu’s announcement of a significant reorganization of military command, keeping General Olufemi Oluyede in service but transferring him from his position as Chief of Army Staff to Chief of Defense Staff.

READ ALSO: Army captures notorious terror leader Babawo Badoo

Major-General W. Shaibu received appointment as the new Chief of Army Staff, with Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke and Rear Admiral I. Abbas designated as Chiefs of Air Staff and Naval Staff, respectively.

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Speaking to the newly installed officers, the president tasked them with validating the trust placed in them through displaying professionalism, alertness, and cohesion in executing their responsibilities.

Tinubu called on the commanders to expand upon the current operational framework of the armed forces and enhance coordination among services to tackle the country’s changing security threats.

The president further stressed the importance of constitutional allegiance and revitalized dedication to safeguarding citizens’ lives and property throughout the nation.

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