“Nigeria Bleeding, Government Campaigning? Reps Caucus Demands Tinubu Suspend 2027 Politics”
By Passman Akpos
The Minority Caucus in Nigeria’s House of Representatives has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government to rescue the school children and teachers abducted in Oyo State, while calling for a complete overhaul of the nation’s security architecture amid worsening insecurity across the country.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly on Wednesday, House Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, criticized the current state of security in the country and described the emergency measures declared by President Bola Tinubu in 2025 as politically motivated rather than focused on tackling insecurity.
Agbedi accused the government of prioritizing propaganda over practical solutions, urging authorities to invest more in intelligence gathering, improve the welfare of frontline security personnel, and eliminate political interference in security operations.
The caucus also condemned the killing of Rabe Abubakar while in terrorist captivity in Katsina State. The lawmakers demanded a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and death.
According to Agbedi, Nigerians deserve answers on how terrorists were able to abduct and kill a senior military officer, warning that the incident raises serious concerns about the nation’s security capabilities.
On the abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State, the opposition lawmakers called for an immediate special military operation, insisting that all victims must be rescued within 72 hours.
“The era of mass kidnappings without consequences must end,” the caucus declared, adding that terrorists should not be allowed to dictate terms while government officials merely issue statements without delivering results.
The Minority Caucus also reacted to a recent court ruling by Justice Lifu reportedly deregistering five political parties. Agbedi described the judgment as an attempt to create confusion within the political system and undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
He called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to intervene and address what he described as conflicting judicial pronouncements on party deregistration, warning that continued legal contradictions could further damage public confidence in the judiciary.
The lawmakers equally urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist any attempt to compromise the democratic process, insisting that opposition parties would reject any effort to manipulate the 2027 elections.
The caucus further called on President Tinubu to suspend all political activities relating to the 2027 elections and instead focus on governance by declaring a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan.
According to the lawmakers, the protection of lives and improvement of economic conditions should take precedence over political calculations.
Despite growing concerns over insecurity and economic hardship, the caucus appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope, assuring citizens that the outcome of the 2027 general election would ultimately be determined by voters and not by political influence or court rulings.
“The government exists primarily for the security and welfare of the people. Politics must take the back seat when the nation is bleeding,” Agbedi stated.
