ADC-PCC Accuses Tinubu of Lacking Empathy, Urges Him to Learn from Macron

By Ladan Muhammad

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to demonstrate sufficient empathy towards Nigerians grappling with insecurity, hunger and economic hardship, urging him to learn lessons in responsive leadership from French President Emmanuel Macron.

The council’s criticism follows reports that Macron postponed his scheduled state visit to Nigeria, initially planned for October 28 and 29, 2026, amid domestic challenges in France.

The proposed visit, which was expected to include the France-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos, was reportedly rescheduled for early 2027.

Reacting to the development, the ADC-PCC said the reported postponement highlighted the importance of prioritising domestic concerns and citizens’ welfare in the discharge of presidential responsibilities.

“A president will not travel when his home is contending with internal combustion,” a Nigerian official familiar with the development was quoted as saying.

The council argued that Nigerian leaders should demonstrate a similar sense of urgency in addressing the country’s security and economic challenges, particularly as communities across several states continue to face violent attacks, killings and mass abductions.

It listed Plateau, Niger, Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Katsina and Sokoto among the states affected by persistent security concerns, including the displacement of communities and alleged unlawful detentions.

The ADC-PCC alleged that Tinubu had not demonstrated sufficient public empathy in response to the crises, arguing that his official engagements had not adequately reflected the scale of suffering experienced by affected Nigerians.

The council also expressed concern over a reported incident in Niger State involving the detention of more than 60 young Nigerians under allegedly inhumane conditions, with over 37 reportedly dying in custody.

Describing the incident as a grave national concern, the ADC-PCC called for urgent government intervention, accountability and compassion for the families of those affected.

It maintained that incidents involving loss of life and allegations of unlawful detention required prompt official responses, thorough investigations and measures to ensure that those responsible were held accountable where wrongdoing was established.

The council further criticised the timing of Vice President Kashim Shettima’s reported visit to the state, claiming that it came weeks after the incident and after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had visited affected communities to commiserate with residents and bereaved families.

According to the ADC-PCC, Atiku’s visit demonstrated the importance of identifying with citizens during periods of grief and national distress.

It argued that public officials should demonstrate concern not only through official statements but also through direct engagement with affected communities.

The ADC-PCC said leadership should extend beyond the performance of official duties, stressing that empathy, accountability and respect for human life were essential qualities in responding to national emergencies.

“President Macron has offered a reminder that the concerns of citizens must remain central to leadership. When a country faces a serious domestic crisis, its leadership must demonstrate urgency, compassion and a willingness to take responsibility,” the council said.

It urged the Tinubu administration to intensify efforts to protect lives, tackle insecurity and ease the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.

The council also called for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of incidents involving deaths in custody and alleged unlawful detention, insisting that affected families deserved answers and justice.

It maintained that Nigeria needed leadership that listened to citizens, responded decisively to emergencies and treated the protection of human life as a fundamental responsibility of government.

The ADC-PCC’s remarks add to the political debate over the Federal Government’s response to insecurity, rising living costs and other socioeconomic challenges facing the country.