Explain Sudden Sack of Service Chiefs, ADC Tells Tinubu!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged President Bola Tinubu to publicly clarify the reasons behind his abrupt removal of Nigeria’s top military leadership.

What Happened

• In a recent sweeping military shake‑up, President Tinubu replaced all service chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, a move characterised by the presidency as necessary for enhanced security. [1]
• The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, demanded a full explanation for the sack, describing the decision as sudden and lacking transparent justification.
• According to ADC’s statement, Nigerians deserve to know what compelled the leadership transition, especially given the country’s severe security challenges.

Why It Matters

• The removal of service chiefs is a high‑stakes decision with direct implications for military strategy and continuity in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and communal violence.
• In a period of heightened insecurity, sudden leadership changes—without clear rationale—could fuel doubts among security forces and the public.
• Call for transparency from ADC adds to pressures on the presidency to account for decisions affecting national security. Quotes

“Such a move cannot be shrouded in silence. Nigerians deserve to know the reasons behind this all‑at‑once removal of our security leadership.”
— Statement by ADC, via Bolaji Abdullahi

What to Watch

• Whether the Presidency will issue explanatory communication or hold a press briefing regarding the sack.
• Reaction from other political parties, civil society, and security analysts on the legitimacy and timing of the shake-up.
• Impact on morale and ongoing operations within military ranks.
• Who the newly appointed service chiefs are, and how quickly they will be assessed on performance.

Citations:

1. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-president-replaces-top-military-chiefs-with-immediate-effect-aide-says-2025-10-24/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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