The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has joined Nigerians in marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day by honouring the courage and ultimate sacrifice of fallen and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, while sharply condemning President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the national observance as “deeply troubling” and symptomatic of leadership failure.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Thursday, the opposition party described the President’s unavailability on such a solemn occasion as a missed opportunity to demonstrate solidarity with troops and military families amid Nigeria’s escalating insecurity.
“This is ordinarily a solemn national moment, one that demands presence, reflection, and leadership at the highest level,” the ADC stated. “It is therefore deeply troubling that the President of the Federal Republic is absent and unavailable on a day meant to symbolise solidarity with our armed forces and the families who continue to bear the cost of Nigeria’s security failures.”
The party emphasised that at a time when soldiers are overstretched battling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime across multiple fronts, the Commander-in-Chief’s physical and moral presence is “not optional” but a vital statement of respect, responsibility, and shared sacrifice.
“Leadership cannot be outsourced, postponed, or treated as ceremonial. The physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief on this day is not optional, it is a statement of respect, responsibility, and shared sacrifice,” the party stated.
The ADC honoured the fallen heroes, stood in solidarity with serving personnel, and recognised the resilience of military families, stressing that true remembrance must transcend wreaths and ceremonies.
“Remembrance must go beyond wreaths and words. It must be reflected in leadership that shows up, takes responsibility, and places the lives of Nigerians above image management, foreign trips, or political convenience,” Abdullahi declared.
The ADC reiterated its demand for governance that matches the sacrifices of the armed forces with competent policy, clear direction, and genuine political will to end the cycle of violence.
