The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking empathy for Nigerians suffering from insecurity and economic hardship, urging him to learn from French President Emmanuel Macron’s reported decision to postpone a planned visit to Nigeria.
In a press statement, the council criticised what it described as the Tinubu administration’s inadequate response to national tragedies, contrasting the President’s approach with Macron’s reported decision to reschedule his state visit, initially planned for October 28–29, 2026, amid domestic challenges in France.
The proposed visit, which was also expected to feature the France-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos, was reportedly moved to early 2027. The ADC-PCC argued that the development underscored the importance of prioritising domestic concerns during periods of crisis.
“A president will not travel when his home is contending with internal combustion,” a Nigerian official familiar with the development was quoted as saying.
The council said the welfare of citizens should remain central to governance, particularly as Nigerians continue to face insecurity, rising living costs and other socioeconomic challenges.
It 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, community displacement and unlawful detentions.
The ADC-PCC alleged that Tinubu had failed to demonstrate sufficient public empathy in the face of these challenges, arguing that his official engagements had not adequately reflected the scale of suffering in affected communities.
The council also expressed concern over a reported incident in Niger State involving the detention of more than 60 young Nigerians under allegedly inhumane conditions, with over 37 reportedly dying in custody.
Describing the matter as a grave national concern, it called for urgent government intervention, accountability and compassion for the affected families.
The ADC-PCC further criticised what it described as a delayed response by the Federal Government, claiming that Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the state weeks after the incident and after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had visited to commiserate with affected communities and bereaved families.
According to the council, Atiku’s visit demonstrated the importance of leaders identifying with citizens during moments of grief, rather than relying solely on official statements.
“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 Tinubu administration to prioritise the protection of lives, intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and address the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
The council also called for greater accountability in cases involving deaths in custody and alleged unlawful detention, insisting that affected families deserved answers and justice.
It maintained that effective leadership requires more than the performance of official duties, arguing that empathy, accountability and respect for human life are essential in responding to national emergencies.
The ADC-PCC said Nigeria needed leadership that listens to citizens, responds decisively to crises and treats the protection of human life as a fundamental responsibility of government.
