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

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of lacking empathy for Nigerians suffering from insecurity, hunger and economic hardship, urging him to learn from French President Emmanuel Macron’s approach to leadership.

The council’s criticism followed reports that Macron postponed his scheduled state visit to Nigeria, initially planned for October 28–29, 2026, amid domestic challenges in France. The visit, which was also expected to feature the France-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos, was reportedly rescheduled for early 2027.

According to the ADC-PCC, the reported decision highlights the need for leaders to prioritise pressing domestic concerns and demonstrate sensitivity to the challenges facing their citizens.

“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 the welfare of citizens should remain at the centre of governance, particularly as Nigerians continue to grapple with insecurity, rising living costs and other socioeconomic challenges.

It cited persistent attacks and killings in Plateau, Niger, Benue, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, Kwara, Katsina, Sokoto and other parts of the country, alongside reports of mass abductions, displacement of communities and unlawful detentions.

The ADC-PCC accused Tinubu of failing to demonstrate sufficient public empathy in response to the crises, alleging that his official engagements had not adequately reflected the suffering of affected communities.

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, it called for urgent government intervention, accountability and compassion for the affected families.

According to the council, Tinubu’s response fell short of the public engagement expected from the nation’s president. It further claimed that Vice-President Kashim Shettima visited the state weeks after the incident, following a visit by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who had reportedly gone to commiserate with affected communities and bereaved families.

The ADC-PCC said Atiku’s visit demonstrated the importance of identifying with citizens during moments of grief, stressing that public officials should show concern not only through official statements but also through direct engagement with affected people.

It maintained that effective leadership goes beyond the discharge of official duties, arguing that empathy, accountability and respect for human life are 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.

The opposition council urged the Tinubu administration to prioritise the protection of lives, intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and introduce measures to ease the economic hardship confronting Nigerians.

It also called for greater accountability in cases involving loss of life and alleged unlawful detention, insisting that affected families deserved answers and justice.

The ADC-PCC concluded that Nigeria needs leadership that listens to citizens, responds decisively to emergencies and treats the protection of human life as a fundamental responsibility of government.