ADC Urges Tinubu to Explain Sudden Military Shake-up Amid Coup Rumours

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide Nigerians with a clear explanation for the recent overhaul of the country’s military leadership.

In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, the opposition party expressed concern over the timing and rationale of the appointments, warning that the changes could fuel rumours and uncertainty within the armed forces.

The presidency announced that General Olufemi Oluyede has been appointed Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Other appointments include:

Major-General W. Shaibu – Chief of Army Staff

Air Vice Marshall S.K. Aneke – Chief of Air Staff

Rear Admiral I. Abbas – Chief of Naval Staff

Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The ADC noted that most of the outgoing service chiefs were appointed less than three years ago, with the current Chief of Defence Staff himself appointed only a year ago as Chief of Army Staff. The party highlighted that the timing of the shake-up coincides with widespread rumours of an attempted coup, describing the government’s handling of the matter as “deliberate obfuscation and outright confusion.”

The statement reads in part:

“While we acknowledge that the President, as Commander-in-Chief, has the authority to make these appointments, the Federal Government owes Nigerians a categorical explanation about the circumstances leading to this decision. The scale and timing of the changes raise serious questions about military stability and the priorities of the administration.”

The ADC also expressed concern about the nation’s security situation, noting that insecurity continues to escalate with terrorist groups gaining ground in some areas and banditry rampant in others. The party argued that the military reshuffle appears to be politically motivated rather than focused on addressing pressing security challenges.

“Without prejudice to recent developments, it is evident that the Tinubu administration is distracted,” the statement said. “This near wholesale change in military leadership could heighten rumours and conspiracy theories, rather than strengthening national security.”

The ADC urged the government to address Nigerians with transparency and reassure citizens that the country’s democracy and security remain intact.