A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his trip to the United Kingdom, describing it as ill-timed amid escalating insecurity across the country.

Speaking on Politics Today on Wednesday, Okonkwo said the president’s decision to travel abroad while violence persists at home reflects a lack of sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians and fallen security personnel.

“You have a president who is treading on the blood of Nigerians that are being killed, a nation bleeding, and its leaders are away,” he said.

He argued that the government’s response to insecurity has been inadequate, citing poor morale among security forces and insufficient support in terms of manpower and equipment.

According to him, leadership requires visible presence and empathy during times of national distress, adding that failure to prioritise security undermines public confidence.

Okonkwo also criticised the absence of top security officials from the country at a critical time, noting that the president traveled alongside the defence minister while the vice president was also engaged elsewhere.

He drew comparisons with the United States, referencing how Donald Trump personally received the bodies of fallen soldiers, arguing that such gestures boost troop morale and demonstrate respect for national sacrifice.

“At the death of one military man, it is a big deal to a nation because their morale is boosted when you recognise those who have fallen,” he said.

On the broader security situation, Okonkwo alleged that persistent attacks across different parts of the country show a pattern rather than isolated incidents, insisting that stronger and more proactive measures are required to curb violence.

He also questioned the government’s handling of kidnappings and negotiations with armed groups, suggesting that the frequent release of abducted victims raises concerns about the approach being adopted.

Beyond security, the ADC chieftain defended his party’s ideological foundation, stating that its principles are clearly outlined in its constitution with a strong emphasis on the welfare of citizens.

“First and foremost, the ideology of ADC is rooted in its constitution… the welfare of the people and the welfare of the nation. We are a welfarist party,” he said.

He dismissed criticisms that the party is made up of politically incompatible figures, arguing that alliances are a normal feature of democratic politics.

“There is nothing strange about people coming together. There is no permanent interest or enmity in politics,” Okonkwo stated.

Addressing concerns about perceived contradictions among politicians, he said shifting alliances reflect evolving political realities rather than a lack of ideology, noting that similar patterns exist globally.

On the question of zoning ahead of future elections, Okonkwo said the ADC should adopt an open approach to its presidential ticket rather than restrict it to any region.

He backed his position with what he described as a “historical arithmetic” of power rotation between the North and the South, arguing that no region would be shortchanged if the process remained open.

“ADC should throw it open. Whichever side gets it, there is no injustice when you look at the arithmetic,” he said, while maintaining that he remains committed to protecting southern interests.

Okonkwo added that the party’s broader objective is to present an alternative platform that prioritises governance, accountability and improved welfare for Nigerians. (Nigerian Tribune)