The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that President Bola Tinubu will not suffer the same political fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan, whose administration was ousted in 2015 over insecurity.
Speaking against the backdrop of increasing security concerns nationwide, the APC insisted it would not “blindfold itself and allow itself to defeat itself” like Jonathan’s government did in the lead-up to the 2015 elections.
Amid widespread fears that the rising wave of killings and kidnappings could undermine Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 elections, APC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bala Ibrahim, told THISDAY that Tinubu is fully aware of the threat and is taking proactive steps.
“If indeed this is the observation or the thinking of the naysayers, the government cannot just fold its arms and allow itself to be caught napping… Jonathan was defeated by the APC, and the APC cannot blindfold itself and allow itself to defeat itself,” Bala said.
“So, President Bola Tinubu by your submission or by the submission of the naysayers is already aware of the problem that will take him to lose and he will not allow it.”
He praised the efforts of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Defence Minister of State, Bello Matawalle, in revamping national security, noting that recent deployments and field operations have led to victories in volatile regions.
“It’s only a sign that Uhuru is very close by… Definitely it is not to say the war is about to be lost. We are actually going for victory,” he said.
Bala also blamed the breakdown of relations with francophone neighbours, particularly following the coup in Niger, for weakening the Multinational Joint Task Force and making Nigeria’s fight against terrorism more isolated.
Amid the rising tension, Afenifere, in a communique signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, urged the federal government to partner with state governors and immediately overhaul the national security architecture.
“We are calling on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to, in collaboration with governors, urgently come up with strategies to confront the challenges and put them under control.”
They also demanded a multi-level police structure, better equipment and training for regional security outfits like Amotekun, and increased deployment of surveillance technologies.
Meanwhile, Northern Senators have condemned the escalation of violence in Plateau and Benue States, warning against normalising bloodshed.
The senators, under the Northern Senators’ Forum, led by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, expressed outrage over the mounting death toll in Bokkos, Plateau State.
“This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the insecurity that has plagued some parts of our nation, and we cannot afford to let it become the new norm.”
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Oluyemi Oluyede, visited the attacked communities and assured residents that more security personnel would be deployed, and all culprits were brought to justice.
“The senseless acts of violence that was witnessed in some of our communities must stop… Those who think they can take law into their hands and go unpunished should have a re-think,” warned Major Gen. Folusho Oyinlola.
Security expert and former DSS Director, Mike Ejiofor, blamed recurring attacks on poor intelligence, manpower shortages, and outdated security tech.
He also criticized lawmakers for not doing enough and urged the withdrawal of their security aides to force legislative urgency.
“In Plateau, for instance, we have a significant number of retired military personnel; why not gather them, provide licensed arms, and make them the first line of defence?” he asked.
Ejiofor stressed the need to avoid ethnic narratives and focus on protecting all Nigerians, regardless of geography.
In the same vein, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, noted that the violence is not isolated to Plateau but part of a wider crisis. He stressed the need for sincerity in peace deals and deeper collaboration across societal groups.
“They sign the peace deal, but as they leave, troublemakers embark on a different mission. These are the reasons behind the persistent attacks despite the efforts of the military, community leaders, political leadership and religious leaders.”
As insecurity persists, the question now is whether the Tinubu administration can break the cycle that brought down its predecessor—or repeat history in 2027.
