The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, raised serious concerns over the state of the nation, lamenting that Nigeria is “bleeding” while the President Bola Tinubu government is focused on preparations for the 2027 re-election campaign.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on the state of the nation, the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Fred Agbedi (PDP–Bayelsa), lamented that the country is “bleeding” under the weight of kidnappings, killings, judicial controversies, and economic difficulties.
The caucus accused Tinubu of prioritising 2027 election politics over governance, warning that Nigeria is “on the brink” due to worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and what it described as attempts to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next general election.
Specifically, the caucus condemned the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in captivity, describing the incident as a national disgrace and evidence of the deteriorating security situation in the country.
“If a General who once defended this country is no longer safe, then no Nigerian is safe,” the caucus said.
It also expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, accusing the government of normalising insecurity through what it called a lack of decisive action.
It called for an immediate rescue operation and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted persons across the country in the national interest.
While speaking on politics generally, the caucus alleged that recent legal battles involving opposition parties form part of a broader strategy to weaken political opponents ahead of the 2027 elections.
It specifically criticised a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of five political parties, describing it as a move capable of creating judicial confusion and undermining democracy.
According to the caucus, the decision appeared designed to frustrate opposition parties and shrink the democratic space ahead of the next election cycle.
The caucus, however, applauded the intervention of the Court of Appeal, which halted the implementation of the ruling, and urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address what it described as conflicting court decisions on party registration.
Beyond security and politics, the caucus painted a grim picture of the nation’s economic condition, citing rising hardship, hunger, kidnappings, and public frustration across the country.
It accused the ruling party of focusing on endorsements, defections, and re-election strategies while millions of Nigerians struggle with worsening living conditions.
Among its demands, the caucus called for an overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, improved welfare for security personnel, a transparent investigation into the killing of General Abubakar, and stronger protection of democratic institutions.
The caucus also urged President Tinubu to suspend political activities related to the 2027 elections and instead launch a six-month national security and economic recovery plan.
The caucus declared: “The attempt to weaken opposition parties through judicial means while Nigerians face daily killings, kidnappings, and hardship is unacceptable.”
The caucus vowed to deploy all legislative measures available to hold the government accountable and insisted that the outcome of the 2027 elections would be determined by Nigerians and not by political manoeuvres or court decisions.