Atiku to Tinubu: Focus on Security, Not 2027 Campaign
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise national security over political activities, insisting that Nigerians need a “Commander-in-Chief, not a Campaigner-in-Chief.”
In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku reacted to the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after weeks in captivity. While congratulating the victims, their families and the security agencies involved in the operation, he described the rescue as a major victory for Nigeria’s armed forces.
According to Atiku, the operation demonstrated the capability of the country’s security personnel but also highlighted what he described as a lack of visible leadership from the Presidency.
He criticised the timing of the ruling All Progressives Congress’ nationwide mobilisation for the 2027 elections, arguing that the government’s primary focus should remain on protecting lives and restoring security across the country.
“The first campaign of any responsible government should be the campaign to rescue its citizens and guarantee their safety. Politics can wait, but the lives of innocent Nigerians cannot,” he said.
Atiku maintained that President Tinubu should have personally addressed Nigerians alongside the nation’s security chiefs after the rescue operation to commend the troops, reassure families of victims still in captivity and reaffirm the government’s commitment to defeating criminal groups.
He noted that such moments require visible leadership capable of boosting public confidence, strengthening troop morale and sending a strong warning to terrorists and kidnappers.
While welcoming the rescue, the former vice president cautioned against celebrating too soon, stressing that many Nigerians remain in captivity in different parts of the country.
He called on the Federal Government to sustain military operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until every abducted victim is rescued and affected communities are restored to peace.
Atiku concluded that no political ambition should take precedence over the constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, adding that citizens expect decisive leadership rather than electioneering as the country continues to grapple with widespread insecurity.
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