By Peter Omopo
The African Democratic Congress has praised the Federal Government for its rapid response to Sunday’s failed coup attempt in Benin Republic, but urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to apply the same level of urgency to tackle the worsening insecurity within Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the response to the Benin crisis shows that the government is capable of swift and coordinated action when necessary. He, however, criticised what he described as the slow and inconsistent approach to addressing banditry, terrorism, and violent crime ravaging communities across the country.
The reaction follows the operation in which pro-government forces in Benin, backed by Nigerian troops and air assets, subdued soldiers who had occupied the national television station and declared President Patrice Talon ousted.
While acknowledging the importance of defending democratic order in the sub-region, the ADC expressed concern over the growing erosion of democratic norms in West Africa. It stressed that genuine commitment to democratic principles must begin at home.
The statement read, “The African Democratic Congress welcomes Nigeria’s swift intervention in the Benin Republic following the announcement of a coup attempt. We commend the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in our neighbourhood.
“However, the unilateral action taken by the President, though expedient, must now be subjected to the ratification of the National Assembly as required by the Constitution for deployment of Nigerian troops outside our borders.”
The party also questioned the inconsistency in Nigeria’s foreign policy actions, pointing to the government’s slower response to previous instability in Guinea-Bissau where a former Nigerian President was caught in the crisis.
“Consistency in our mode of operations is essential for any country seeking to lead the sub-region. The hesitation in Guinea-Bissau sharply contrasts with yesterday’s urgency. What changed? What determines when Nigeria acts firmly and when it delays?” the ADC asked, suggesting concerns about possible influence from “more powerful countries.”
The party further condemned what it described as the government’s failure to display similar decisiveness in confronting domestic insecurity.
“If Nigeria could respond swiftly to threats across our borders, why has the government shown such glaring incompetence in tackling insecurity at home? Banditry, terrorism and violent crime continue to hold communities hostage, displace families, and abduct children,” the statement said.
The ADC insisted that defending democracy must start within Nigeria through better governance, improved welfare, and stronger tolerance for dissent.
“A government that can act swiftly abroad must also act decisively at home. The defence of democracy begins with protecting Nigerian lives and restoring security,” it said.
The party reaffirmed its opposition to unconstitutional changes of government but emphasised that the strongest safeguard against coups is making democratic governance meaningful and inclusive for citizens.
