By SUNTV Global Channel | January 15, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his absence at Nigeria’s 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony, describing the development as a worrying signal of weak leadership at a time of national reflection.
In a statement released on Thursday by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the annual remembrance event is a solemn national duty meant to honour fallen heroes and reaffirm solidarity with serving military personnel and their families.
“Today, the African Democratic Congress joins Nigerians, especially our military families, in commemorating the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day — a day set aside to honour the courage, sacrifice and patriotism of the men and women who gave their lives in defence of our nation,” the statement said.
‘A Moment That Demands Leadership’
The ADC stressed that the occasion required the physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief, warning that the president’s absence undermined the symbolism and meaning of the event.
“This is ordinarily a solemn national moment that demands presence, reflection and leadership at the highest level,” the party said.
“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.”
According to the party, with Nigerian troops currently deployed across multiple theatres battling insurgency, banditry and violent crime, leadership should not be treated as ceremonial or optional.
“At a time when soldiers are overstretched across several fronts, leadership cannot be outsourced, postponed or reduced to symbolism,” the ADC added.
‘Remembrance Must Go Beyond Wreaths’
The opposition party further accused the Tinubu administration of turning remembrance into a symbolic exercise rather than a reflection of genuine commitment to the welfare of soldiers and their families.
“The physical 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.
The ADC argued that true honour for fallen soldiers must be reflected in accountable governance, clear security strategy and improved welfare for troops, not just ceremonial speeches and wreath-laying.
“Remembrance must go beyond words and rituals. It must be reflected in leadership that shows up, takes responsibility and places the lives of Nigerians above image management, foreign engagements or political convenience,” the party said.
Tribute To Fallen Heroes
Despite its criticism, the ADC paid tribute to Nigeria’s fallen service members and acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families, calling on the federal government to back its words with action.
The party urged authorities to match the sacrifices of the armed forces with competent governance, genuine political will and a clear commitment to ending Nigeria’s security crises.
— SUNTV Global Channel
