The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus his administration on addressing the country's worsening security and economic challenges or step aside.

The caucus warned that Nigeria faces increasing insecurity, economic hardship, and concerns over democratic governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The opposition lawmakers urged the President to suspend all political activities related to his re-election bid and devote full attention to resolving the nation's pressing challenges.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Minority Leader of the House, Fred Agbedi, accused the administration of prioritising political considerations over governance and the welfare of citizens.

The caucus's concerns come amid escalating security challenges across the country, including recent incidents of mass abductions, attacks by armed groups, and growing fears over the safety of citizens in several states.

According to the lawmakers, communities in states such as Plateau, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kwara and others have continued to experience attacks, killings and displacement of residents, while cases of kidnapping and violent crimes remain widespread.

Agbedi noted that the recent death of a retired senior military officer, Major-General Abubakar Rabe, following his abduction alongside his wife in Katsina State, underscored the severity of the country's security crisis.

Describing the incident as deeply troubling, he said it had further diminished public confidence in the government's capacity to protect lives and property.

“If a retired General who once defended this country can become a victim of kidnapping and lose his life, it raises serious concerns about the safety of ordinary citizens,” Agbedi stated.

The caucus argued that the government appeared to lack a coherent strategy for tackling insecurity, alleging that criminal groups had become increasingly emboldened across various parts of the country.

The lawmakers also expressed concern over the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, describing the situation as evidence of a broader security failure.

They called for urgent and decisive action to secure the release of all abducted victims and restore public confidence in the nation's security architecture.

The caucus further urged the President to declare a six-month National Security and Economic Recovery Plan aimed at addressing the country's security challenges, stabilising the economy, and improving the welfare of citizens.

According to Agbedi, governance must take precedence over political activities, particularly at a time when Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, inflation, and economic hardship.

The opposition lawmakers maintained that swift and effective action is required to prevent further deterioration of the country's security and socio-economic conditions.

Their remarks come shortly after prominent religious leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, separately called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to combat persistent killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes across the country.