The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has lashed out at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent decision to grant presidential pardons to several convicted drug traffickers and smugglers, describing the move as “pathetic and a national disgrace.”
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the action represents “a gross abuse of presidential powers” and a dangerous precedent that undermines Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
“It amounts to a most irresponsible abuse of the presidential power of prerogative of mercy to grant express pardon to dozens of convicts held for drug trafficking, smuggling, and related offences—especially when most of these convicts have barely served two years in jail for offences that carry life imprisonment,” the statement read in part.
The ADC accused the Tinubu administration of “mocking” Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agencies, noting that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security bodies have sacrificed enormously to combat the drug menace across the country.
“For years, NDLEA officers have risked their lives dismantling drug networks, intercepting consignments, and securing convictions. Granting clemency to individuals convicted under such laws strikes at the very foundation of our legal and moral stance against narcotics and makes a mockery of these gallant efforts,” the party stated.
The ADC further warned that the pardons would damage Nigeria’s international reputation and signal weakness to global partners in the fight against drug trafficking.
“These pardons undercut our standing among global partners and give the unfortunate impression that Nigeria, under President Tinubu, has sympathy for drug dealers and is a risk-free jurisdiction for traffickers,” the statement continued.
Citing data showing that Nigeria’s drug use prevalence stands at 14.4%, nearly three times the global average, the party described the president’s decision as “reckless” and “deeply insensitive” at a time when the nation is battling a drug epidemic among its youth.
The ADC concluded by accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of eroding moral standards and governance accountability.
“With this mass clemency for drug dealers, President Tinubu and the APC are redefining morality in our country. They are transforming Nigeria into a place where even the worst of crimes attract no real punishment,” the statement said.
“The mission of the African Democratic Congress remains clear: to rescue our country from this ruling party that values power and impunity over public interest and accountability.”
