ADC Faults Tinubu’s Absence as Nigeria Honours Fallen Heroes on Armed Forces Remembrance Day
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his absence during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony, arguing that the occasion demands more than symbolic gestures and ceremonial observances. The opposition party said the physical presence of the Commander in Chief is a critical demonstration of solidarity with Nigeria’s armed forces and their families, particularly at a time of escalating insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a solemn national moment that should compel visible leadership, deep reflection, and decisive action from the highest level of government. The party warned that leadership during such moments must not be reduced to formality or public relations messaging.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour Nigerian military personnel who lost their lives during the civil war and in subsequent peacekeeping missions, as well as those who continue to serve in various security operations across the country.
The ADC expressed concern that President Tinubu was not physically present at official remembrance activities, noting that the absence of the nation’s Commander in Chief sends the wrong signal to serving personnel and bereaved families. According to the party, symbolic acts such as wreath laying and official statements cannot substitute for leadership presence during moments of national reflection.
“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 statement read.
The party stressed that Nigerian soldiers remain overstretched across multiple theatres of conflict, including insurgency in the North East, banditry in the North West and North Central, secessionist violence in the South East, and other forms of organised crime nationwide. In such a climate, the ADC argued, leadership cannot be delegated, postponed, or treated as ceremonial.
“At a time when Nigerian soldiers are battling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime across multiple fronts, leadership cannot be outsourced or reduced to protocol,” the party said. “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 ADC further stated that remembrance must translate into concrete governance outcomes, including clear security strategies, improved welfare for troops, and tangible support for military families. According to the party, Nigeria’s persistent security challenges suggest a disconnect between the sacrifices of the armed forces and the political leadership responsible for protecting citizens.
“The ADC honours the fallen, stands with serving personnel, and recognises the quiet resilience of military families who continue to pay the ultimate price for a nation that has yet to match their sacrifice with competent governance, clear strategy, and genuine political will,” the statement added.
The party urged national leaders to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians above what it described as image management, foreign travels, or political convenience. It warned that repeated symbolic gestures without measurable action risk diminishing the significance of national remembrance and eroding trust among citizens and security personnel.
“Remembrance must go beyond wreaths and words,” the ADC declared. “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.”
Despite his absence from the public ceremony, President Bola Tinubu issued a statement to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, paying tribute to fallen heroes and acknowledging the sacrifices of serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
In the statement released on Thursday, the President described January 15 as a moment for national pause and gratitude, honouring the courage and selflessness of military personnel who gave their lives in defence of the country.
“Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace,” Tinubu said. “A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers.”
Addressing the families of deceased service members, the President acknowledged the depth of their loss and reaffirmed the nation’s gratitude. “I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes—widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices,” he stated.
President Tinubu also commended serving military personnel for their dedication and professionalism, noting the demanding nature of their duties. “Today, we celebrate our serving personnel. From the frontlines to support positions, on land, sea, and air, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s stance on security sector support, the President pledged continued commitment to the welfare and dignity of the Armed Forces. “As President and Commander in Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action,” the statement added.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day remains one of Nigeria’s most significant national observances, symbolising collective gratitude to men and women who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation. Traditionally, the day includes wreath laying ceremonies, military parades, interfaith prayers, and moments of silence across the country.
However, the ADC’s criticism has reignited debate over the meaning of leadership symbolism during periods of national reflection. Analysts note that while official statements remain important, public expectations increasingly emphasise presence, empathy, and accountability, particularly in the face of ongoing security challenges.
Political observers argue that the controversy reflects broader public frustration with insecurity and governance performance, rather than the remembrance ceremony alone. With soldiers continuously deployed and casualties mounting, questions around leadership visibility, strategic clarity, and troop welfare remain central to public discourse.
As Nigeria continues to confront complex security threats, Armed Forces Remembrance Day serves not only as a moment of honour but also as a mirror reflecting national priorities. For many citizens and opposition voices, the day represents an opportunity to assess whether political leadership is matching words with presence and policy with purpose.
While tributes and assurances offer comfort, critics insist that lasting honour to fallen heroes lies in building a safer nation, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that those who defend Nigeria are supported by leadership that is present, responsive, and accountable.
