APC criticises ADC over comments on Katsina killings

By Kunle Sanni –

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over remarks it described as “insensitive” and “opportunistic” following the killing of civilians by suspected terrorists in Malumfashi, Katsina State.

In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC condemned the attack as “a national tragedy” and expressed sympathy to the families of the victims. The party urged unity among Nigerians to confront terrorism rather than exploiting such incidents for political gain.

“It is despicable and must be condemned by all Nigerians,” Morka said. “Events like this remind us of our common humanity… It is not an occasion for insensitive and crassly opportunistic politics as the ADC has busied itself with.”

The APC faulted the ADC for suggesting that President Bola Tinubu should suspend foreign trips to focus on insecurity at home, describing the opposition party’s stance as “lame and senseless.” Morka argued that Tinubu’s international engagements were vital for attracting investment, strengthening security partnerships and building military capacity to combat terrorism.

He cited recent joint Nigeria–Chad operations, which led to the capture of Boko Haram founder Mohammed Yusuf’s son and two Ansaru leaders, as evidence of the government’s ongoing efforts.

Morka also noted that Tinubu had deployed special forces, advanced surveillance technology and increased defence spending to reinforce national security, alongside reviewing the National Security Strategy and expanding regional and international intelligence cooperation.

The APC further dismissed the ADC’s broader political posture, blaming it for the party’s “zero scores” in recent by-elections. “Spewing falsehood and half-truths in press statements is not exactly an effective election-winning strategy,” Morka said.

The ruling party urged stakeholders to support the government’s anti-terrorism measures rather than “engage in worthless rhetoric,” reaffirming President Tinubu’s “unflinching commitment to the safety and security of every Nigerian.”