Political Firestorm: Yari Exposes FG's Helplessness on Insecurity Crisis

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has sharply criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, has inadvertently confirmed the Federal Government's inability to offer credible solutions to the nation's security crisis. This strong reaction from Kola Ologbondiyan, Director of Media and Publicity for the ADC-PCC, followed Yari's comments during a visit to Kebbi State on Monday.

Senator Yari was quoted saying, “If Buhari, who is a retired military man, could not wipe out insecurity, what do people expect from Tinubu?” Ologbondiyan labeled this statement as a “damning indictment of the APC government” and a “startling admission from a senior figure” tasked with promoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid to Nigerians. He emphasized that such a remark from the APC’s campaign chief raises fundamental questions about the party’s actual capacity to tackle insecurity and casts doubt on the justification for them seeking another presidential mandate, especially when the party has yet to deliver on the basic responsibility of protecting citizens' lives and property.

For a party that has held power for nearly 12 years, Ologbondiyan asserted, this constitutes a shocking admission of failure, reinforcing a growing public perception that the ruling party has exhausted its ideas and lacks concrete answers to Nigeria's pervasive security challenges. Despite years of promises, the ADC-PCC highlighted that Nigerians continue to endure severe security threats, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and widespread killings. Communities remain vulnerable, families live in constant fear, and citizens are increasingly worried about their safety and livelihoods.

Ologbondiyan pointed out the irony that the APC’s own campaign chief appears to be subtly asking Nigerians to accept that if a former military Head of State could not resolve insecurity, then President Tinubu's capacity to do so would be limited. He argued that this is not a message of hope but rather an expression of helplessness from a party seeking continued governance. The ADC-PCC further questioned the logic behind the APC’s demand for another four-year term, contending that Nigerians cannot reasonably be expected to reward a government that has seemingly failed to deliver adequate security and economic relief.

He posed critical questions: “How can the APC ask Nigerians to renew its mandate when its own campaign leadership is raising doubts about the capacity of its presidential candidate to tackle insecurity? Why should Nigerians entrust their future to a party whose leading campaign figures appear unable to defend its record or inspire confidence in its capacity to deliver?” The ADC-PCC maintained that Nigeria requires leadership that embraces responsibility, develops practical and effective solutions, and demonstrates the political will to genuinely protect its citizens. The nation, they stressed, does not need a government that offers excuses for persistent insecurity or a ruling party whose campaign leadership appears to have lost faith in its own candidate’s ability to govern effectively.

In contrast to the APC, the ADC-PCC presented its own presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as a credible alternative, describing him as an experienced leader possessing a practical vision for national security, economic recovery, and national cohesion. Ologbondiyan stressed that truly defeating insecurity demands more than mere political rhetoric; it necessitates competent leadership, robust and effective coordination among security agencies, adequate equipment, superior intelligence gathering capabilities, and sustained investment in the welfare and capacity of security personnel.

Finally, the ADC-PCC urged Nigerians to view Senator Yari’s reported remarks as a crucial moment for sober reflection on the APC’s performance record and to consider the potential consequences of another four years under the ruling party. The choice, according to Ologbondiyan, is clear: either continue with a party whose track record on insecurity faces widespread criticism or support a credible alternative committed to rescuing the country, restoring public confidence, and prioritizing the protection of lives and property as a national imperative.