The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on July 30, 2025, called on President Bola Tinubu to bypass state governors and directly assess Nigeria’s insecurity by engaging with citizens on the streets.
Interim National Chairman David Mark, speaking at a press briefing, criticized the administration’s reliance on governor-led security briefings, pointing to 150 bandit-related deaths in Borno in July and 200 kidnappings nationwide, per security reports. Mark advocated for presidential town halls to address grievances, arguing that governors shield the federal government from grassroots realities.
The ADC’s proposal contrasts with Tinubu’s centralized security strategy, which includes a $1 billion security budget for 2025, as per the Ministry of Defence. Governors, represented by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, defend their role, citing local knowledge, but critics note a 20% rise in incidents since 2023.
The narrative of direct accountability is populist, aiming to leverage public frustration, though its feasibility is questioned given logistical challenges and potential gubernatorial backlash, making it a bold but risky stance for the ADC.