The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of “lack of empathy” for Nigerians facing hardship, urging him to learn lessons in “responsive leadership” from French President, Emmanuel Macron.
The council’s reaction followed reports that Macron postponed his scheduled State visit to Nigeria, initially planned for October 28–29, 2026, amid domestic challenges in the European country.
According to the ADC-PCC, the reported decision underscores the importance of a leader’s responsibility to remain attentive to pressing domestic concerns.
Kola Ologbondiyan, Director, Media and Publicity of the ADC-PCC, in a statement argued that the principle of placing citizens’ welfare at the centre of governance should guide leadership, particularly at a time when Nigerians are “grappling with insecurity, rising living costs and other socioeconomic difficulties.”
ADC cited “persistent attacks and killings in Plateau, Niger, Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Katsina, Sokoto and other parts of the country, alongside reports of mass abductions, displacement of communities and unlawful detentions.”
The ADC-PCC accused President Tinubu of failing to demonstrate sufficient public empathy in the face of these challenges, alleging that his official engagements have not adequately reflected the gravity of the suffering experienced by affected communities.
The council maintained that leadership requires more than the discharge of official duties, arguing that empathy, accountability and respect for human life are essential qualities in responding to national emergencies.
“President Macron has offered a reminder that the concerns of citizens must remain central to leadership. When a country faces a serious domestic crisis, its leadership must demonstrate urgency, compassion and a willingness to take responsibility,” the council said.
It urged the Present administration to give greater priority to protecting lives, addressing insecurity and alleviating the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.