The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned Nigeria’s First Lady, accusing her of showing a lack of sensitivity while schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State remain in captivity.
In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned the timing of recent political activities associated with the First Lady, including the inauguration of the Tinubu Torchbearers (TTB) support group and the distribution of vehicles to women leaders of the ruling party.
According to the former vice president, the country should be focused on securing the release of the victims rather than engaging in political celebrations.
“The First Lady is often serenaded by supporters with the popular Niger Delta refrain, ‘Na our mama be this o,’ and frequently presented as the mother of the nation,” Atiku said. “However, Nigerians are entitled to ask a painful question: what kind of mother can comfortably sleep, dance, celebrate political victories, receive campaign groups, and distribute luxury vehicles while toddlers, schoolchildren, and their teachers remain in captivity?”
Atiku argued that a motherly figure should prioritize the welfare of children and families affected by the abduction crisis.
“A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing. A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones,” he stated.
He added, “A true mother would use every platform available to keep the plight of those children at the forefront of national consciousness until they are safely reunited with their families.”
The ADC leader noted that nearly three weeks after the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State on May 15, 2026, many of the victims were still being held by their captors. He accused the federal government of appearing more focused on political engagements than on addressing the suffering of affected families.
Atiku described the situation as a troubling display of insensitivity toward the victims, their relatives, and Nigerians concerned about the country’s security challenges.
“It is difficult to understand how a government that claims to care for its citizens could continue to project an atmosphere of celebration while innocent children and their teachers remain at the mercy of kidnappers,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of compassion in governance, the former vice president maintained that public officials must demonstrate empathy during periods of national distress.
“Leadership is not merely about occupying office; it is about demonstrating empathy when citizens are in distress,” Atiku said.
He further lamented that while parents of the abducted children continue to endure uncertainty and fear over the fate of their loved ones, the public has been confronted with images of political gatherings, campaign-style events, and celebrations involving government officials and political allies.
