ADC argued that this development has allowed terrorism to prosper, leading Nigeria to become one of the most terrorised countries in the world.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has insisted that Sahel states such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso opted out of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) because of President Bola Tinubu’s inability to provide effective leadership.
The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, levelled the accusation against the President on Wednesday while appearing as a guest on the Channels Television programme, ‘Politics Today’.
He was responding to questions regarding increasing insecurity in the West African sub-region.
According to Abdullahi, due to Tinubu’s poor handling of relationships with these countries, “what used to be joint collaboration to fight terrorism in the Sahel region” has become an “every man for himself” scenario.
He added that this development has allowed terrorism to flourish, leading Nigeria to rank fourth on the list of the most terrorised countries in the world.
ALSO READ: Socialite Aisha Achimugu loses $13m (N18b) to FG in final forfeiture ruling
Speaking during the interview, Abdullahi said: “Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso left ECOWAS because President Tinubu came and mismanaged the relationship.
“What used to be joint collaboration to fight terrorism in the Sahel region became ‘every man for himself,’ and terrorism prospered. In the Global Terrorism Index 2025, Nigeria ranked fourth on the list of the most terrorised countries in the world. Pakistan tops the table, followed by Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, while Nigeria is number four.
“Take Pakistan out and look at the other countries on the table. These are ECOWAS countries. These are countries that used to work together to fight terrorism.
“So, what the ADC is saying is that the foundation for fighting terrorism in Nigeria must be drawn from our ability to build relationships within our neighbourhood.
“The ability of Nigeria to play any leadership role within the West African region depends on Nigeria’s ability to protect and defend its own people. As long as Nigeria is not able to protect and defend its own people, it cannot lay any claim to leadership in the West African region or Africa as a whole.”
