Odita Sunday 
ADC Slams Tinubu’s Absence as Party Marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his absence from the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony, describing it as troubling at a time of worsening insecurity across the country.
The party, however, joined Nigerians in commemorating the day, paying tribute to fallen and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces for what it described as their courage, sacrifice and patriotism.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the absence of the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, sent the wrong signal to troops and military families.
According to the party, Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a solemn national moment that demands leadership, presence and reflection at the highest level of government.
“It is 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,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC argued that symbolism matters, especially at a time when Nigerian soldiers are deployed across multiple theatres of conflict, battling insurgency, banditry and violent crime.
The party maintained that leadership in moments of national sacrifice cannot be treated as ceremonial or delegated.
“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 statement read.
While honouring fallen heroes and saluting serving personnel, the ADC also acknowledged the resilience of military families, whom it said continue to pay a heavy price for the country’s security challenges.
Abdullahi said Nigeria has yet to match the sacrifices of its armed forces with competent governance, clear security strategy and genuine political will.
The party stressed that remembrance should go beyond wreath-laying ceremonies and official speeches.
“Remembrance must be reflected in leadership that shows up, takes responsibility, and places the lives of Nigerians above image management, foreign trips, or political convenience,” the ADC added.
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