The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to grant presidential pardons to several convicted drug traffickers and smugglers, describing the move as “a national disgrace” that undermines Nigeria’s anti-drug efforts and tarnishes its global image.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC denounced the action as “an irresponsible use” of presidential powers, warning that it could embolden criminality and erode moral values in society.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) finds it deeply pathetic and an act of immense national shame that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has chosen to extend pardon and clemency to convicted criminals,” Abdullahi said.
The opposition party noted that many of the pardoned individuals had served less than two years of their sentences for crimes that carry life imprisonment, questioning the rationale and criteria behind such leniency.
“It is an egregious misuse of the presidential prerogative of mercy to release individuals convicted of drug trafficking, smuggling, and similar offences, particularly when they have barely completed two years of their sentences,” the statement read.
The ADC rejected the government’s explanation that the convicts had shown remorse and acquired vocational skills in prison, insisting that such justifications were insufficient.
“Presidential clemency is meant to correct miscarriages of justice or recognize convicts who have genuinely paid their debts to society. We struggle to see what benefit Nigeria gains from freeing individuals serving life sentences after such a short period,” the party argued.
The ADC also expressed concern that the decision could demoralize the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies working to curb drug-related crimes.
“Granting clemency to offenders convicted under Nigeria’s anti-narcotics laws undermines the efforts of security personnel who risk their lives daily to rid the nation of drugs,” Abdullahi stated.
Highlighting Nigeria’s status as a major transit hub for illicit drugs and its alarming 14.4% drug use prevalence—nearly three times the global average—the ADC warned that the pardons could worsen public health challenges and compromise national security.
“This decision sends the wrong message, not only within Nigeria but also to the international community. It risks damaging our credibility with global partners in the fight against drug trafficking and may suggest a lack of commitment to international anti-drug efforts,” the statement added.
The ADC called on the Federal Government to exercise greater prudence in using the presidential prerogative of mercy, stressing that such powers should serve justice and the national interest, not political or sentimental motives.
“We urge the government to uphold transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law when making decisions of such gravity,” Abdullahi concluded.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to justice, integrity, and responsible governance, pledging to continue advocating for policies that strengthen Nigeria’s institutions and protect its moral foundation.
