Group says continent’s underrepresentation in global governance can no longer be ignored
The Democratic Front (TDF) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s advocacy for two permanent seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council, describing the demand as a critical step towards correcting what it considers the continent’s long-standing marginalisation in global decision-making.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, the group said Tinubu’s campaign reflected a recognition of Africa’s growing importance in global affairs and the need for the continent to have a stronger voice in decisions affecting international peace, security and development.
TDF argued that Africa’s enormous natural resources, population and contributions to global affairs had not been matched by commensurate representation within the existing global governance structure.
The group also backed the President’s criticism of the international power structure established after the Second World War, saying the framework no longer adequately reflected contemporary geopolitical realities.
According to TDF, Africa’s limited representation in major global institutions has continued to constrain its ability to influence decisions on issues with direct consequences for the continent’s political, economic and social development.
The group therefore described the quest for two permanent African seats on the UN Security Council as more than a diplomatic demand, but an obligation that the present generation of African leaders owes to future generations.
TDF further credited Tinubu with using international platforms since assuming office in 2023 to advocate greater access to concessional financing, fairer economic decision-making and comprehensive debt relief for African countries.
The group also referenced Tinubu’s participation at the recent Africa Forward Summit in Kenya, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto.
According to TDF, the Nigerian President’s reported commitment to making the country’s Deep Blue Project maritime intelligence infrastructure available as a shared data hub for willing Gulf of Guinea countries demonstrated Nigeria’s willingness to deepen regional cooperation.
The group said such initiatives could contribute to stronger maritime security and enhanced collaboration among countries confronting common security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea.
TDF maintained that Tinubu’s advocacy for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council through strategic diplomacy deserved support, arguing that the Council’s current composition remained a subject of concern for countries seeking a more representative international order.
It said granting Africa two permanent seats would give the continent greater capacity to influence deliberations on issues affecting its socioeconomic and political future.
TDF Defends Tinubu Over UNGA Absence
The group also defended President Tinubu against criticism over his absence from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), arguing that physical attendance at an international gathering was not, by itself, the only measure of a country’s diplomatic effectiveness.
TDF maintained that Nigeria could continue to advance its national interests and broader African objectives through sustained diplomatic engagements, bilateral relations and participation in other strategic international forums.
The group said Tinubu’s engagements on African representation, development financing, debt relief and regional security demonstrated what it described as a continuing effort to project Nigeria’s interests within the evolving global order.
For TDF, the debate over Africa’s place at the UN Security Council ultimately goes beyond Nigeria or any individual leader, touching on the continent’s longstanding demand for a greater role in shaping the decisions that affect the global community.
