Ex-Legislators Condemn Calls for Tinubu’s Resignation Over Kebbi, Kwara Attacks

The National Forum of Former Legislators has rejected calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign following the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi State and the deadly attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Forum’s National Coordinator, Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, described the resignation demand, purportedly made by a group claiming to be “Ex-Legislators”, as reckless, undemocratic, and a distraction from ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

He noted that responsible former lawmakers remain committed to peace, stability, and constitutional governance, insisting that the controversial statement does not represent their views.

“As patriotic Nigerians and former representatives of the people, we condemn every premature and destabilizing comment that seeks to politicize national tragedies,” the statement said. “This is a time for unity, not opportunism.”

The Forum condemned the recent attacks in Kebbi and Kwara, calling them painful reminders of the country’s security challenges. It, however, commended President Tinubu for what it described as a prompt and sensitive response to the incidents.

According to the Forum, the President demonstrated leadership by postponing his scheduled trips to the G20 and AU–EU Summits to receive security briefings and oversee a coordinated national response. The group also praised Tinubu’s directive deploying additional military and police personnel to affected areas and ordering security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi.

The Forum added that Tinubu’s insistence on detailed, timely reports from the Vice President, the Nigeria Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) shows a hands-on commitment to resolving the crisis and safeguarding national stability.

Expressing solidarity with victims of the attacks, the Forum urged security agencies to act with professionalism and urgency until the kidnapped girls are rescued and the attackers apprehended.

Reaffirming its support for the President, the Forum called on governments at all levels, security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations to work together to strengthen national security, support affected communities, and promote peace across the country.

President Tinubu, in a message posted on X on Wednesday, said he was deeply saddened by the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other soldiers in Borno State.

“As the Commander-in-Chief, I am depressed by the tragic death of our soldiers on duty,” he wrote. “May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.”