‘Learn from Macron’ - ADC knocks Tinubu over Nigerians’ hardship

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, ADC-PCC, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it described as his lack of empathy towards Nigerians affected by insecurity, hunger and economic hardship.

The council urged Tinubu to learn from French President Emmanuel Macron, saying leaders should pay attention to challenges facing their citizens before proceeding with international engagements.

The criticism followed reports that Macron had postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria, scheduled for October 28 and 29, 2026, because of domestic challenges in France. The visit, which was also expected to include the France-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos, was reportedly moved to early 2027.

The ADC-PCC said the reported decision highlighted the need for leaders to prioritise pressing issues at home.

“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 Nigeria was facing serious security and economic challenges, including attacks and killings in Plateau, Niger, Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Katsina, Sokoto and other states.

It also cited reports of mass abductions, community displacement and unlawful detentions, accusing the Tinubu administration of failing to show sufficient concern for the people affected.

The opposition council further raised concerns over a reported incident in Niger State in which more than 60 young Nigerians were allegedly detained under inhumane conditions, with over 37 said to have died in custody.

It described the incident as a serious national issue that required urgent government action, accountability and compassion for the affected families.

According to the ADC-PCC, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the state weeks after the incident, following a visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to sympathise with affected communities and bereaved families.

The council said Atiku’s visit demonstrated the importance of standing with citizens during difficult times, adding that leaders should show concern through direct engagement rather than official statements alone.

“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.

The ADC-PCC called on the Tinubu administration to prioritise the protection of lives, tackle insecurity and take steps to ease the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

It also demanded greater accountability over incidents involving deaths and alleged unlawful detention, insisting that affected families deserved answers and justice.

The council maintained that Nigeria needed leaders who listened to the people, responded promptly to emergencies and treated the protection of human life as a fundamental responsibility of government.