ADC Slams Tinubu Over US Air Strikes in Sokoto, Warns of Threat to Nigeria’s Sovereignty

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu following the air strikes carried out by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) against Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists in Sokoto State, describing the development as a reflection of what it termed “historic incompetence” in governance.

The United States launched a series of air strikes on terrorist enclaves in the early hours of Friday, targeting ISIS elements operating in Nigeria’s North-West region.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, later confirmed that the Federal Government was informed and carried along before the operation was executed.

However, reacting to the development in a statement on Friday, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said while the party supports lawful efforts aimed at protecting Nigerian lives, the strikes exposed deep failures in the country’s security management.

Abdullahi warned that allowing foreign military forces to carry out direct combat operations on Nigerian soil was not a sustainable solution and could undermine the nation’s long-term strategic and security interests.

He questioned Nigeria’s level of control and leadership in the operation, cautioning against a situation where the country is reduced to “mere informants” rather than leading its own counterterrorism efforts.

The ADC spokesman also called on the Federal Government to provide clarity on the details of the strikes, including who had operational control, the number of terrorists neutralised, and whether there were any casualties.

“The African Democratic Congress recognises the serious security challenges confronting Nigeria and affirms that the protection of Nigerian lives and the defeat of terrorism must remain a central national priority,” the statement read.

“We therefore support all lawful and effective measures aimed at saving lives and restoring security.”

Nevertheless, Abdullahi reiterated the party’s opposition to the physical presence and operational dominance of foreign military forces in Nigeria, stressing that desperation must not come at the expense of national sovereignty.

“It is in this context that we accept the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes on terrorist locations in Sokoto State only as a desperate measure that must not be allowed to substitute for a Nigeria-led action,” he said.

The party also referenced a social media post by ADC questioning Nigeria’s leadership role in the operation, stating that Nigerians are entitled to ask who truly controls the country’s security decisions when foreign governments appear to take the lead.