Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Security Record, Dismisses PDP’s 16-Year Performance

Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been charged by the presidency of trying to distort the truth on Nigeria’s security situation.

Dada Olusegun, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, insisted that President Tinubu had accomplished more in his two years in government than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which Abdullahi was a minister under, accomplished in its sixteen years in power.

Abdullahi made the assertion in reaction to a comment he posted on his 𝕏 account on Saturday, claiming that the increasing levels of insecurity in various regions of the country are proof that Nigeria lacks a government.

He added, “The massacre of innocent Nigerians, the raging insecurity, and the violent attacks in Kwara, Katsina, and other parts of the country are concrete proof that Nigeria has no government.”

Olusegun, however, responded by accusing the former Minister of being dishonest in his contribution and trying to use reverse psychology to distort the facts.

The presidential assistant outlined some of the initiatives the Tinubu administration has already implemented since taking office, including increased security spending, ongoing military intervention, steps to expedite the establishment of state police, and the hiring of additional security agents.

While recent attacks in some parts of the country are completely unacceptable, he added, Abdullahi’s article is far from the reality and the efforts are already showing results, despite what the public is led to believe.

“While the recent attacks in some parts of the country are completely unacceptable, it will be dishonest—though not surprising—of you to compare the efforts of a President who has accomplished more for the security sector in two years than your former party, the PDP, did in sixteen years,” Olusegun wrote.

“For the record, President Tinubu has continued to take different approaches to solving our insecurity issues by building on the efforts of his predecessor, Late President Muhammadu Buhari, who degraded Boko Haram beyond recognition. This is in contrast to the dormant, uninspired, and directionless days of your party, which resulted in the tweet that you quoted.

A summary of some of the security initiatives taken by the administration of President Tinubu throughout the last two and a half years can be found below.

The increase in defense budget from N1.25 trillion in 2023 to N4.91 trillion in 2025 allowed for better interagency collaboration and the dismantling of significant terror cells.

More than 160,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP members and their families have surrendered as a result of persistent military operations, which have produced quantifiable outcomes.

Additionally, with numerous states having already started the program, President Tinubu has persisted in calling for the rapid advancement of local policing. To enhance grassroots security, local security services such as mining marshals and forest guards have been implemented.

President Tinubu authorized the construction of army depots in Osogbo and Ebonyi in order to decentralize recruitment and entice more people to enlist in the military. This has been hailed as a positive development by all.

The 2026 budget calls for a major revision of the national security framework and the introduction of a new counterterrorism doctrine that labels all armed non-state entities as terrorists.

The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education works to stop vulnerable youngsters from joining armed groups, while new organizations like the Livestock Development Ministry try to settle disputes between farmers and herders.

With the addition of five aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force—two Diamond 62 surveillance planes, two T-129 ATAK helicopters, and one King Air 360 ER—equipment procurement has strengthened capabilities, allowing for over 8,665 missions and 15,915 flying hours.

As a result, between August 2023 and April 2025, 5,449 hostages were freed, 9,415 terrorists were neutralized, and over 3,159 suspects were arrested.

Additionally, these activities have helped to lessen the impact of organizations like IPOB and have made general progress in resolving underlying societal concerns and fostering community trust.

Nigerians who experienced both governments would not be duped by this attempt at revisionism, whether you like it or not.

They perceive the effort, understand the procedure, and sense the gravity; the administration you are attempting to discredit today cannot match this.

“We won’t stand by while you use reverse psychology to distort the facts. No, we won’t.