Tinubu’s Pardon of Drug Convicts ‘A National Disgrace’ – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent presidential pardon for convicted drug traffickers and smugglers, describing the action as “a national disgrace” that undermines Nigeria’s fight against narcotics.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Sunday, the ADC said the decision represented a “gross abuse” of the presidential prerogative of mercy and a “betrayal” of the efforts made by law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crimes.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) finds as pathetic and an act of immense national disgrace the recent presidential pardon granted to several convicted criminals by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read. “It is a most irresponsible abuse of presidential power to grant express clemency to convicts held for drug trafficking and smuggling, especially when many have barely served two years of life sentences.”

The party questioned the rationale behind extending clemency to offenders serving sentences for crimes that have caused devastating social and health consequences across the country. “Ordinarily, pardons are meant to correct miscarriages of justice or reward convicts who have genuinely reformed. But what does Nigeria gain by freeing traffickers who have barely begun serving their punishment?” the ADC queried.

Citing data from national reports, the party noted that Nigeria’s drug use prevalence stands at 14.4 per cent, nearly three times the global average of 5.5 per cent  warning that the government’s action sends the wrong signal both domestically and internationally.

“For years, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies have risked their lives dismantling drug networks and securing convictions,” the statement continued. “By granting clemency to traffickers, the government has made a mockery of their sacrifices and weakened Nigeria’s moral and legal stance against narcotics.”

The ADC further warned that the move damages Nigeria’s international reputation and may portray the country as a “safe haven” for drug criminals. “These pardons send a dangerous message to the world  that Nigeria, under President Tinubu, sympathises with drug dealers,” the party said.

The ADC vowed to continue its mission of “rescuing Nigeria from a ruling class that values power and impunity over accountability and national integrity.”