December 26, 2025 | SUNTV Global Channel
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has expressed deep concern over recent United States military strikes targeting Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants in Nigeria’s Northwest, warning that such operations could undermine Nigeria’s constitutional authority and sovereignty.
In a statement released on Friday, December 26, 2025, by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sani Dawop, the ADP acknowledged the urgent need to confront terrorism but stressed that allowing foreign kinetic military action on Nigerian soil without full legal and democratic oversight poses serious risks.
The U.S. strikes, which President Donald Trump announced on Christmas Day, reportedly targeted ISIS-linked fighters accused of killing Christians in parts of northern Nigeria. Trump described the operations as “numerous precise strikes” carried out under his authority as Commander-in-Chief. The Nigerian government later confirmed that strikes had taken place.
Commenting on the situation, ADP National Chairman Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani said, “No government serious about sovereignty should outsource the use of force against its own enemies without full constitutional clarity and democratic oversight. Fighting terrorism must not become an excuse for quietly surrendering national authority.”
The party highlighted that Nigeria’s security cooperation with international partners has traditionally focused on intelligence sharing, training, and logistical support, not foreign air strikes on its territory. “Once foreign jets begin striking targets inside your country, you have crossed from cooperation into dependency. That is a line Nigeria must never cross casually,” Sani warned.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, the ADP reminded that the security and welfare of Nigerians rests primarily on Nigerian institutions. While acknowledging executive powers under Section 5, the party emphasized that such powers do not override legislative oversight, constitutional accountability, or the public’s right to transparency.
The ADP urged the Federal Government to clarify the legal basis, command structure, rules of engagement, civilian protection measures, and legislative involvement regarding the reported operations.
“While terrorism is a grave threat, undermining constitutional order is an even greater danger,” the party stressed, calling on Nigeria to fight terrorism decisively without compromising its sovereignty or democratic governance.
