ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting presidential pardons to several convicted drug traffickers and smugglers, describing the move as “a national disgrace” that undermines Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign and tarnishes the nation’s global image.
In a statement on Sunday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the decision as “an irresponsible use” of the presidential power of pardon, arguing that it could embolden impunity and erode moral discipline in the country.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) finds as pathetic and an act of immense national disgrace the recent presidential pardon and clemency granted to several convicted criminals by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Abdullahi said.
The opposition party expressed dismay that most of those granted clemency had served less than two years of their sentences for offences punishable by life imprisonment, questioning the criteria used in the exercise.
“It amounts to a most irresponsible use of the presidential prerogative of mercy to grant express pardon to dozens of convicts held for drug trafficking, smuggling, and related offences, especially when most of these convicts have barely served two years in jail for offences that carry a penalty of life imprisonment,” Abdullahi stated.
Reacting to government claims that the beneficiaries showed remorse and acquired skills while in prison, the ADC said such justifications were insufficient to warrant early release.
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“Pardons and clemency are granted for their social utility and to correct perceived miscarriages of justice, and to convicts who have paid their debts to society.
“But we wonder what Nigeria stands to gain from this act of clemency to convicts serving life sentences who have barely served two years,” the party said.
The ADC further warned that Tinubu’s action could dampen the morale of officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies who risk their lives fighting drug-related crimes nationwide.
“Granting clemency to individuals convicted under such laws therefore challenges the very foundation of Nigeria’s legal and moral stance against narcotics and could undermine the efforts of officers fighting the battle against illicit drugs,” Abdullahi warned.
He noted that Nigeria remains a major transit hub for illicit drugs, with an estimated drug use prevalence of 14.4 per cent nearly three times the global average and said the decision could endanger both public health and national security.
The party also warned that the pardons could harm Nigeria’s international reputation and weaken partnerships in global anti-drug efforts.
“These pardons send signals beyond Nigeria’s borders. They could affect our standing among global partners in the fight against drug trafficking and create the impression that our country is not fully committed to the global anti-drug campaign,” the ADC added.
Calling for greater discretion in the use of the presidential prerogative of mercy, the ADC urged the Federal Government to ensure such decisions align with justice and national interest.
“We call on the government to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the exercise of such sensitive powers,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC reaffirmed its dedication to promoting justice, integrity, and responsible governance in Nigeria.