The Parliamentary Advocacy Centre (PAC) has faulted comments made by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, describing his remarks as politically charged and unhelpful to ongoing national efforts to address insecurity.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 22, and signed by its President, Itodo Vincent, the group warned that the growing tendency to frame security concerns through a political lens risks deepening national divisions at a sensitive time.
A Heated Political Comment Sparks Backlash
The controversy began after Agbedi publicly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of prioritising re-election politics over urgent issues of security and citizens’ welfare.
He also called on the President to suspend all activities linked to the 2027 general elections and instead focus on what he described as a six-month national emergency plan to address insecurity and economic hardship.
While the remarks quickly gained political attention, they also triggered pushback from civil society voices who viewed the statement as excessive and politically motivated.
PAC: “Security Should Not Be a Campaign Talking Point”
Responding to the Minority Leader’s comments, PAC acknowledged the seriousness of Nigeria’s security challenges but insisted that they should not be used as tools for political confrontation.
According to the group, insecurity in the country did not begin with the current administration and cannot be resolved through blame games or public ultimatums.
“It is unfortunate that Hon. Fred Agbedi chose to politicise an issue as sensitive as national security. Nigerians expect practical solutions and constructive engagement from political leaders, not statements designed to score partisan points,” PAC President Itodo Vincent said.
The organisation stressed that resolving insecurity requires collaboration between government institutions, security agencies, communities, and political actors across party lines.
“Ultimatums Are Reckless,” PAC Warns
PAC also took issue with Agbedi’s call for a six-month deadline for the President to fix insecurity or consider resignation, describing it as inappropriate and inflammatory.
The group argued that such demands, coming from a senior legislative figure, risk undermining national stability rather than strengthening accountability.
“For a serving Minority Leader to issue what amounts to an ultimatum to the President… is reckless and unbecoming of a statesman,” the statement read.
Accusations of Political Motives Ahead of 2027
In a more pointed section of its statement, PAC suggested that the comments may be linked to early political positioning ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation claimed that the rhetoric appeared less about solutions and more about opposition strategy, urging political leaders to avoid escalating tensions for partisan advantage.
It also called for responsible engagement, urging lawmakers to present policy-driven alternatives rather than what it described as political theatrics.
“Nigerians Want Solutions, Not Slogans”
While condemning the political tone of the debate, PAC expressed sympathy with Nigerians affected by insecurity, including victims of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks across the country.
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The group stressed that every Nigerian life matters, regardless of political affiliation, and urged leaders to prioritise unity and practical solutions.
“What Nigerians need at this moment are ideas, cooperation and support for ongoing efforts to improve security and economic stability, not inflammatory comments,” the group said.
A Call for Responsibility and Cooperation
PAC concluded by urging opposition figures and political leaders to focus on strengthening institutions and supporting national efforts to restore public confidence in government.
According to the organisation, governance and politics must coexist in a democracy, but not at the expense of national stability.
It called for unity, responsible leadership, and constructive engagement as Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges.