By Ahmed Akanbi

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu to halt early 2027 election permutations and channel government focus to worsening insecurity and economic hardship.

Addressing journalists in Abuja midweek, the caucus said governance must come first as Nigerians grapple with abductions, killings, and rising cost of living.

Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, who spoke for the caucus, warned that Nigeria faces a “dangerous mix of insecurity, hardship and threats to democratic pluralism” that demands urgent action.

He said the Federal Government should concentrate on addressing pressing national challenges instead of engaging in political calculations ahead of the next electoral cycle.

“The lives of our citizens, including security personnel and innocent schoolchildren, must take precedence over political strategy,” Agbedi stated.

The lawmaker cited the reported death of retired General Rabe Abubakar in bandits’ custody as proof of the deepening security crisis. He also lamented the loss of military personnel in operations against insurgents and criminal groups.

Agbedi further drew attention to schoolchildren and teachers still held captive in Oyo State.

“As we speak, schoolchildren and their teachers abducted in Oyo State remain in captivity. Their crime is simply going to school in Nigeria,” he lamented.

The minority caucus also criticized a recent Federal High Court judgment reportedly seeking the deregistration of some political parties.

Agbedi faulted the ruling delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, saying it could weaken opposition forces and shrink democratic space ahead of 2027.

“Democracy thrives on robust competition among political parties. Any move capable of eroding public confidence in the electoral process must be resisted,” he warned.

The opposition lawmakers urged the Tinubu administration to place greater emphasis on economic recovery and security, stressing that Nigerians are more worried about abductions, killings, and high living costs than early campaign activities.

The caucus reiterated that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and called for renewed, decisive efforts to tackle the nation’s security and economic challenges.