By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a scathing condemnation of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of quietly igniting his 2027 re-election campaign under the banner of the “Renewed Hope Ambassadors” despite Nigeria’s ongoing state of emergency and deepening security crisis.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the reported distribution of branded Hilux trucks, Land Cruisers, and Hummer buses to political mobilisers as “cynically insensitive” and a direct affront to a nation battling widespread violence, mass kidnappings, and spiraling insecurity.

“Emergency in Words Only”

The ADC argued that President Tinubu’s alleged actions prove the government’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency was merely symbolic, adding that nothing in the administration’s conduct suggests urgency or transformation.

“This action confirms that the President’s declaration of security emergency was a mere gimmick to grab newspaper headlines,” the ADC said.
“While citizens are being kidnapped and entire communities live under siege, the President is handing out branded vehicles and building a partisan mobilisation structure.”

The party criticized what it described as a stark disconnect between the government’s public posture and its actual priorities, noting that security forces remain overwhelmed while communities continue to suffer unrelenting attacks.

Violation of Electoral Rules?

Beyond moral implications, the ADC warned that the alleged campaign activities appear to breach Nigeria’s electoral laws as laid out by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“INEC has not opened the window for 2027 campaign activities. These actions are in clear violation of electoral regulations,” the statement read, urging the election body to “act decisively to protect the integrity of the process.”

“Tinubu Must Choose: Governance or Campaigning”

The ADC accused President Tinubu of prioritising political survival over national recovery, stating he is now the first Nigerian leader to launch a re-election effort while governing under emergency powers.

“Leadership in times of crisis demands focus, sacrifice, and moral clarity,” the party warned.
“Lavish convoys and early campaigns are not the answers to national trauma. The President must return to the business of governance — or step aside and admit his political ambition stands in the way of Nigeria’s recovery.”

The Presidency has not yet issued a formal response to the ADC’s accusations.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with kidnapping epidemics, armed insurgencies, and mass displacement, the ADC’s sharp rebuke intensifies an already heated debate over governance, accountability, and the political future of Africa’s most populous nation.