The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday joined Nigerians in marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), honouring fallen and serving members of the Nigerian military. But the opposition party however faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for still being abroad and therefore being absent from the national observance amid deepening insecurity.
ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day should go beyond symbolic gestures and ceremonial activities, urging leaders to demonstrate responsible, people-centred governance by prioritising the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians over image management, foreign travels, or political convenience.
The party however expressed deep concern over President Tinubu’s absence on the occasion, noting that the physical and moral presence of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is an important symbol of solidarity with the military and their families, especially as troops are on the frontlines fighting the growing insecurity.
ADC noted that the Day, which is marked annually on January 15 to recognise the sacrifices of both fallen and serving members of the military, is a solemn national moment that requires visible presence, deep reflection, and decisive leadership at the highest level.
According to the party: “It is therefore deeply troubling that the President of the Federal Republic is absent and unavailable on a day meant to symbolise solidarity with our armed forces and the families who continue to bear the cost of Nigeria’s security failures.
“At a time when Nigerian soldiers are overstretched across multiple fronts, battling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime, leadership cannot be outsourced, postponed, or treated as ceremonial. The physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief on this day is not optional; it is a statement of respect, responsibility, and shared sacrifice.
“The ADC honours the fallen, stands with serving personnel, and recognises the quiet resilience of military families who continue to pay the ultimate price for a nation that has yet to match their sacrifice with competent governance, clear strategy, and genuine political will.
“Remembrance must go beyond wreaths and words. It must be reflected in leadership that shows up, takes responsibility, and places the lives of Nigerians above image management, foreign trips, or political convenience.”
President Tinubu, in a statement released on Thursday, while paying tribute to fallen heroes and serving members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, said January 15 is an opportunity to pause and honour the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for the country.
He said: “Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace. A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers.”
Addressing the families of fallen soldiers, Tinubu said, “I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes—widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices.”
He commended serving military personnel for their dedication and professionalism, stating, “Today, we celebrate our serving personnel. From the frontlines to support positions, on land, sea, and air, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of the Armed Forces, saying, “As President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action.”
Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour Nigerian military personnel who lost their lives in the civil war and various peacekeeping operations.
