ADC CAMPAIGN COUNCIL FAULTS TINUBU, SAYS MACRON’S POSTPONED VISIT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR LEADERSHIP EMPATHY
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it described as a lack of empathy towards Nigerians facing insecurity, hunger and economic hardship.
The council urged Tinubu to learn from French President Emmanuel Macron, arguing that leaders must prioritise pressing domestic challenges and demonstrate concern for 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, due to domestic challenges in France. The visit, which was also expected to feature the France-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos, was reportedly rescheduled for early 2027.
Reacting to the development, the ADC-PCC said the reported decision underscored the importance of addressing pressing national concerns before undertaking major international engagements.
“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 opposition council argued that Nigeria was grappling with serious security and economic challenges, including attacks and killings in Plateau, Niger, Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Katsina, Sokoto and other states.
It also raised concerns over reports of mass abductions, the displacement of communities and alleged unlawful detentions, accusing the Tinubu administration of failing to demonstrate sufficient concern for affected citizens.
The ADC-PCC further highlighted a reported incident in Niger State in which more than 60 young Nigerians were allegedly detained under inhumane conditions, with over 37 reportedly dying in custody.
Describing the incident as a serious national concern, the council called for urgent government intervention, accountability and compassion for the families of those affected.
According to the council, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the state weeks after the incident, following an earlier visit by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who reportedly met with affected communities and bereaved families to express his condolences.
The ADC-PCC said Atiku’s visit demonstrated the importance of leaders standing alongside citizens during difficult moments, arguing that genuine concern should be reflected in direct engagement with affected communities 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 opposition body called on the Tinubu administration to prioritise the protection of lives, intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and implement measures to ease the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
It also demanded greater accountability over incidents involving reported deaths and alleged unlawful detention, insisting that affected families deserved answers and justice.
The ADC-PCC maintained that Nigeria needed leadership that listens to citizens, responds promptly to emergencies and treats the protection of human life as a fundamental responsibility of government.
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