The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has criticised the Federal Government over what it described as the country’s worsening security challenges, economic hardship and growing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.
The opposition lawmakers said the nation is facing one of its most difficult periods since the return to democratic governance in 1999, alleging that the administration has failed to provide effective solutions to the numerous challenges confronting Nigerians while placing greater emphasis on political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a press briefing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the Minority Leader of the House, Fred Agbedi, expressed concern over the increasing hardship being experienced by citizens, rising poverty, inflation and the persistent wave of insecurity affecting several parts of the country.
According to the caucus, many Nigerians continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, unemployment and declining purchasing power, while attacks by armed groups, kidnappers and other criminal elements remain a major threat to lives and property.
The lawmakers argued that despite repeated assurances from government officials, many communities across the country continue to experience violent attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty.
The caucus particularly expressed concern over the reported death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was allegedly abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State before losing his life while in captivity. The lawmakers described the incident as a disturbing reflection of the country’s deteriorating security situation, noting that the death of a retired senior military officer under such circumstances raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures.
They maintained that if a retired military commander who once played a key role in defending the country could become a victim of kidnapping, it underscores the level of insecurity confronting ordinary Nigerians on a daily basis.
The lawmakers also pointed to the continued attacks by bandits, terrorists and other armed groups across the North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-East, saying many communities have remained vulnerable despite ongoing military operations.
They called on the Federal Government to urgently review and strengthen the nation’s security architecture by adopting more effective strategies capable of tackling insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
According to the caucus, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, deployment of modern surveillance technology and better welfare packages for security personnel are essential to addressing the country’s security challenges.
The opposition lawmakers also expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, describing the incident as another painful reminder of the insecurity affecting educational institutions across Nigeria.
They urged security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the immediate rescue of the victims, stressing that schools should remain safe environments where children can learn without fear of attacks or abduction.
The caucus further noted that repeated attacks on schools continue to undermine confidence in the nation’s education system and threaten the future of thousands of children.
Beyond security concerns, the lawmakers raised fresh questions over recent developments within the nation’s judiciary, particularly a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five opposition political parties.
They argued that the ruling could have significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic process, warning that actions capable of limiting political participation or weakening opposition parties could erode public confidence in the country’s electoral system.
The caucus also expressed concern over what it described as increasing obstacles facing opposition political parties, including delays in the registration of new political parties and alleged attempts to frustrate political coalitions ahead of future elections.
According to the lawmakers, Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when all political parties are allowed to participate freely within the framework of the law without undue interference.
They called on the Federal Government and relevant institutions to prioritise governance over political calculations by addressing the nation’s pressing security and economic challenges while strengthening democratic institutions and protecting the rule of law.
The caucus maintained that Nigerians deserve responsive leadership capable of restoring public confidence, improving security, revitalising the economy and safeguarding the country’s democratic values.
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