The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for Armed Forces Remembrance Day to extend beyond mere ceremonial gestures, urging leaders to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians over image management, foreign travels, or political convenience.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
The party criticized President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the event, emphasizing that the presence of the Commander-in-Chief both physically and morally is a key symbol of solidarity with military personnel and their families, especially in the face of rising insecurity.
Observed annually on January 15, Armed Forces Remembrance Day honours the sacrifices of both fallen and active members of the military.
The ADC described the occasion as a solemn national moment demanding visible presence, thoughtful reflection, and decisive leadership at the highest level.
“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.
“At a time when Nigerian soldiers are overstretched across multiple fronts, battling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime, leadership cannot be outsourced, postponed, or treated as ceremonial.
“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 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.
“Remembrance must go beyond wreaths and words. 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.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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