The African Democratic Congress has slammed the Federal Government, arguing that its rapid intervention in the attempted coup in the Benin Republic stands in stark contrast to its slow and often ineffective response to the violence ravaging communities across Nigeria. The party said the speed of action in a neighbouring country only amplifies the government’s inability to confront the banditry, terrorism and criminal attacks that continue to claim Nigerian lives.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the development raises serious questions about the government’s priorities, its adherence to constitutional rules and its commitment to securing its citizens. While acknowledging that Nigeria’s swift reaction in Benin was commendable, the party argued that the gap between foreign decisiveness and domestic hesitation has become impossible to overlook.
Abdullahi noted that even justified foreign interventions must follow constitutional procedure, including securing approval from the National Assembly before deploying military or security assets outside the country. He said Nigeria’s inconsistent pattern of foreign engagement has deepened mistrust. He cited the government’s delayed reaction during the Guinea-Bissau unrest, despite reports that a former Nigerian President was caught in the turmoil, and questioned what dictates the difference between rapid and sluggish intervention.
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The party warned that such inconsistencies have led to suspicion that Nigeria’s hurried move in Benin may have been shaped by interests beyond its borders, a perception it said harms the nation’s standing as a regional power. It added that the situation reveals an even more troubling pattern at home, where the government has failed to show similar urgency in tackling the killings, kidnappings and terror attacks that have tormented Nigerians for years.
The ADC said no administration can claim to defend democracy abroad while allowing citizens to remain exposed to violent groups within its own borders. Abdullahi said the work of defending democracy begins with guaranteeing the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians, not with dramatic reactions outside the country. He reaffirmed the party’s position against unconstitutional takeovers in the region, adding that the surest way to prevent military intervention is for leaders to govern responsibly, improve living conditions and allow legitimate political opposition to stand.
