ADC Slams Tinubu Over Clemency for Convicted Drug Barons
Calls It a National Disgrace
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has fiercely criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting presidential pardons to several convicted drug traffickers and smugglers, describing the decision as a national embarrassment that encourages criminality and undermines Nigeria’s fight against drug abuse.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the move as “pathetic” and a “national disgrace,” warning that it sends the wrong message to both citizens and the international community.
“The ADC finds the decision to grant clemency to dozens of convicted drug offenders as a gross misuse of presidential powers,” the statement read. “Most of these individuals were serving sentences for serious crimes such as drug trafficking and smuggling—offences that carry life sentences—yet they have barely spent two years behind bars.”
The party argued that presidential pardons are intended to correct judicial errors or recognize genuine rehabilitation, not to grant leniency for grave crimes that threaten national security and public health.
“It now seems that in Nigeria, even the worst crimes—drug trafficking, arms dealing, and murder—require nothing more than a display of remorse and vocational training to secure presidential mercy,” the statement continued.
The ADC expressed deep concern over the implications of the pardons, especially in a country where drug abuse has become a public health crisis. “With a drug use prevalence rate of 14.4%—almost three times the global average—Nigeria cannot afford to be lenient with convicted traffickers,” the party noted.
The statement highlighted the sacrifices made by law enforcement agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who risk their lives to combat the drug trade. According to the ADC, the presidential clemency undermines their work and makes a mockery of the justice system.
“By pardoning these convicts, the Tinubu administration has effectively weakened Nigeria’s legal and moral position against narcotics. It is a slap in the face to the men and women who fight daily to protect our society from the scourge of addiction and trafficking,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the ADC warned that the international implications are just as damaging. “These pardons raise serious questions about Nigeria’s commitment to global anti-drug efforts. They portray the country as soft on crime and potentially hospitable to drug networks.”
The party accused President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of eroding national values and accountability. “Make no mistake—this mass pardon for drug dealers is part of a larger pattern of moral decline under the APC. It tells criminals that consequences are temporary and easily erased.”
Reaffirming its mission, the ADC concluded by saying: “Our resolve is stronger than ever—to rid this country of a ruling party that values impunity over justice and ignores the voice of the people. Nigeria deserves better.”
