The Parliamentary Advocacy Centre (PAC) has criticised recent comments by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Fred Agbedi, describing his remarks on the country’s security challenges and his call for President Bola Tinubu to suspend political activities as unhelpful and politically motivated.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Dr Itodo Vincent, the group said Agbedi’s comments amounted to political grandstanding at a time when Nigerians expect leaders across party lines to support efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s security and economic challenges.

Agbedi had, while addressing journalists in Abuja, accused President Bola Tinubu of prioritising re-election politics over governance and called on him to suspend activities linked to the 2027 elections in favour of a six-month national security and economic recovery programme.

Reacting to the remarks, PAC acknowledged that insecurity remains a serious national concern requiring urgent attention, but argued that political leaders should avoid exploiting the situation for partisan advantage.

According to the organisation, Nigeria’s security challenges predate the current administration and require coordinated efforts involving government, security agencies, communities, civil society groups and political stakeholders.

“It is unfortunate that Hon. Fred Agbedi chose to politicise an issue as sensitive as national security. Nigerians expect practical solutions and constructive engagement from political leaders, not statements designed to score partisan points,” Vincent said.

The group described Agbedi’s ultimatum to the President as inappropriate, arguing that such comments do little to advance meaningful dialogue on national security.

“For a serving Minority Leader to issue what amounts to an ultimatum to the President and suggest that he should resign if security challenges are not resolved within six months is reckless and unbecoming of a statesman.

“We believe such comments are aimed more at advancing opposition political interests ahead of the 2027 elections than addressing the security concerns of Nigerians. To us, it appears that Hon. Agbedi is running errands for opposition figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Mr Peter Obi rather than offering constructive solutions to the nation’s challenges.

“Security is a collective responsibility and should not be reduced to a platform for political posturing. What Nigerians need at this moment are ideas, cooperation and support for ongoing efforts to improve security and economic stability, not inflammatory comments,” he added.

PAC expressed sympathy to families affected by insecurity across the country, including victims of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks, stressing that every Nigerian life matters regardless of political affiliation.

The organisation maintained that resolving the country’s security challenges requires responsible leadership, institutional support and national unity rather than divisive rhetoric.

Vincent noted that governance and politics inevitably coexist in a democratic system but urged political actors to focus on strengthening institutions and supporting initiatives capable of restoring public confidence in government.

He further called on opposition leaders to provide practical policy alternatives and contribute meaningfully to national conversations on security and economic development instead of engaging in what the group described as premature political campaigning ahead of the 2027 general elections.

PAC reaffirmed its support for the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle insecurity and stabilise the economy, while urging political leaders across party lines to place the national interest above partisan considerations.