01 July 2026
A member of the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gadgi has accused parts of the opposition of taking advantage of Nigeria’s security challenges for political advantage as the 2027 general elections approach.
Speaking on Channels Television’s _Politics Today_ on Tuesday, the lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in Plateau State acknowledged that insecurity remains a serious national issue.
However, he argued that some political actors are more focused on using the crisis to discredit the Federal Government than on proposing real solutions.
Responding to concerns that worsening insecurity could hurt President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election and the All Progressives Congress in 2027, Gadgi rejected the idea that members of the ruling party should treat the situation as a political matter.
He said the opposition has lured some people into politicizing the lives of Nigerians, and warned that any member of his own party who sees the situation as something that will bring down the current administration is not acting in the nation’s interest.
According to Gadgi, the tone of many government critics suggests they are benefiting from the situation, even if they are not the ones escalating it.
He said some supposed national leaders speak about Nigerians’ suffering in a way that shows they almost welcome it, and instead of offering solutions they simply blame the government for failing to act, all to gain political points.
He also questioned why insecurity appears to be getting worse now that political activity for the next election is picking up.
He recalled that President Tinubu had promised to tackle insecurity before taking office, and noted that critics say the President has failed.
But he asked why the problem seems to be intensifying at the same time electioneering is beginning.
Gadgi called on Nigerians to remain united and patriotic, saying citizens should hold government accountable without turning national security into a political weapon.
His remarks come at a time of heightened public anxiety over a wave of deadly attacks across the country in recent weeks.
In May, bandits struck communities in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso in Oyo State, abducting pupils and teachers and killing one teacher.
Similar incidents have also been reported in Borno and Kwara states, which has fueled criticism of how the Federal Government is managing insecurity.
On June 12, President Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and terrorists to surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state. He said the window for surrender would not remain open forever and that those responsible for killing Nigerians would receive no mercy. Despite that warning, many Nigerians still fault the government’s approach, saying it relies too much on reactive measures and repeated threats rather than decisive action to stop the insurgency.
