The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for not personally addressing Nigerians after the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, saying the moment demanded decisive leadership from the Commander-in-Chief.
While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for securing the release of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity, Atiku argued that the President should have publicly acknowledged the operation, reassured anxious families and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to end insecurity across the country.
The former Vice President made the remarks in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
According to Atiku, the rescue operation highlighted the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of the security personnel who risked their lives to free the victims from their abductors.
He, however, faulted what he described as the Presidency’s handling of the aftermath of the operation, insisting that President Tinubu should have addressed the nation alongside the country’s defence chiefs.
“What Nigerians expected yesterday was to see a commander-in-chief leading from the front. Following the successful rescue operation, the president ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defence chiefs—not merely to announce the good news, but to brief Nigerians on the operation; acknowledge the bravery of the troops; highlight the lessons learned; reassure families that no effort would be spared to rescue those still in captivity; and send an unmistakable message to bandits and terrorists that the Nigerian state remains resolute,” Atiku said.
The ADC presidential candidate also criticised the timing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) “Door-to-Door” campaign launch, noting that it coincided with the day the kidnapped pupils and teachers regained their freedom.
According to him, no responsible government should prioritise politics over the safety of its citizens.
“No serious government should be consumed by the politics of re-election while innocent schoolchildren have remained in the custody of kidnappers for weeks.
The first campaign of any responsible administration must be the campaign to rescue its citizens, restore security and reassure anxious families. Politics can wait; the lives of innocent children cannot. Yesterday should have been dedicated to the war room, not the campaign room,” he stated.
Atiku further argued that presidential visibility following major security victories is essential to boosting public confidence, strengthening the morale of security personnel and sending a strong warning to terrorists and other criminal groups.
“When our troops accomplish a difficult mission, they deserve visible presidential recognition. When citizens witness their President speaking with conviction after such an operation, they draw strength and confidence. Equally, those who seek to terrorise our people are reminded that they are confronting a united and determined state. The opposite risks creating an unfortunate perception that politics has taken precedence over the solemn responsibility of securing the nation,” he added.
Quoting an African proverb, the former Vice President stressed that moments of national security require direct leadership from the nation’s highest office.
“There is an old African proverb that says, ‘When the drum of danger beats, the village chief does not send a messenger to dance in his place.’ Yesterday belonged to our brave soldiers, and they acquitted themselves with honour. But it should also have been the moment for the commander-in-chief to stand before the nation, salute their courage, comfort anxious families and send a chilling message to every bandit and terrorist that the Nigerian state will pursue them without rest until every captive is free.”
Atiku also warned against allowing the successful rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers to overshadow the plight of other Nigerians still being held captive by terrorists and kidnappers in different parts of the country, particularly in Borno State.
He urged the Federal Government to intensify military operations until all abducted Nigerians are rescued, maintaining that safeguarding lives should remain the administration’s highest priority.
“The greatest campaign any president can undertake is not for re-election but for the safety and security of the Nigerian people,” Atiku stated.
