The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed Nigeria’s swift intervention in the Benin Republic following a coup attempt.
National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party commends the Federal Government for acting promptly to defend constitutional order in the neighbouring country.
However, Abdullahi urged the government to apply the same decisiveness in tackling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime across Nigeria.
He noted that the ability to act quickly abroad highlights the slow and haphazard response to domestic insecurity devastating communities.
The party expressed concern about democratic reversals in the region and stressed that the best safeguard for democracy is good governance anchored on improved livelihoods and tolerance for opposition.
The ADC said: “The government must now take steps to align foreign interventions with constitutional provisions.
“While the President’s unilateral action in Benin might have been expedient, it still requires ratification by the National Assembly as provided by the Constitution for military deployment outside Nigeria.”
He questioned why Nigeria had not acted as swiftly in Guinea-Bissau, even when a former Nigerian President was at risk, and called for consistency in foreign and domestic operations.
“If Nigeria could respond decisively to threats abroad, why has it failed to protect citizens from banditry and terrorism at home?” Abdullahi asked.
He emphasised that defending democracy begins with protecting lives, restoring security, and rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.
Abdullahi concluded that elected governments must make democracy meaningful through good governance, while allowing opposition and alternative voices to thrive.
