The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has accused the federal government of prioritising political positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections while insecurity, economic hardship, and judicial concerns continue to escalate across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, Minority Leader Fred Agbedi said Nigeria is currently facing worsening security challenges, economic strain, and alleged attempts to weaken opposition parties through legal and institutional means.
The lawmakers condemned the killing of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died in captivity after being abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State. Describing the incident as a national tragedy, Agbedi said it reflected deep failures in the country’s security system.
“That a General of the Nigerian Army, who once commanded troops and defended this nation, could be kidnapped alongside his wife and later declared dead under unclear circumstances is a grave indictment of a failed state,” he said.
The caucus also raised concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, urging security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing their release.
On the political front, the lawmakers criticised a recent Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of some political parties, alleging it was aimed at weakening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections. They, however, welcomed the Court of Appeal’s suspension of the ruling, describing it as a safeguard for democratic pluralism.
The group further alleged that opposition parties are facing increasing institutional challenges, including difficulties in registering new parties and restrictive electoral processes, and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary to uphold neutrality and democratic principles.
The Minority Caucus also painted a bleak picture of the economy, citing rising hardship and deteriorating living conditions across the country. It accused the ruling party of focusing more on political endorsements and election preparations than governance and security.
Among its demands, the caucus called for an urgent overhaul of the national security architecture, improved welfare for security personnel, a transparent investigation into the death of General Rabe Abubakar, and intensified efforts to rescue abducted Oyo schoolchildren.
They further urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to address conflicting judicial rulings on political party matters and called on INEC to maintain fairness and independence in the electoral process.
“We will use every legislative instrument available to hold this government accountable,” Agbedi stated.
