•Atiku and Tinubu
Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for focusing on political activities while the country continues to battle widespread insecurity, insisting that the primary responsibility of any administration is to protect the lives of Nigerians.
In a statement issued today in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku welcomed the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, describing their release as a source of relief for their families and Nigerians who had prayed for their safe return.
He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their professionalism, courage and sacrifice in securing the victims’ freedom, saying the operation demonstrated the commitment and capability of security personnel in confronting criminal elements.
Atiku, however, expressed concern that the rescue coincided with the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s nationwide campaign activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, arguing that national security should take precedence over partisan politics.
According to him, a government confronting terrorism and kidnapping should devote its full attention to protecting citizens rather than engaging in electioneering. He maintained that the first responsibility of any administration is to restore peace, rescue victims, and reassure anxious Nigerians.
The former vice president also said the successful rescue operation presented an opportunity for President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to directly address the nation, commend the troops, reassure families of those still in captivity and reaffirm the government’s resolve to defeat terrorists and kidnappers.
He argued that presidential leadership is not only exercised through official decisions but also through visible public engagement during moments of national importance, adding that such actions help strengthen public confidence and boost the morale of security personnel.
While celebrating the rescue of the Oyo victims, Atiku cautioned against treating the development as the end of the country’s security challenges, noting that many Nigerians, including schoolchildren and other innocent citizens, remain in captivity in different parts of the country.
He urged the federal government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until every abducted Nigerian is rescued and communities affected by insecurity are restored to peace.
Atiku stressed that the greatest achievement of any president should be guaranteeing the safety of citizens, insisting that no political campaign or electoral ambition should take precedence over the constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
