The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu of prioritising politics over national security, saying Nigeria needs a “Commander-in-Chief, not a Campaigner-in-Chief” as the country battles terrorism, banditry and mass kidnappings.
Atiku made the remarks on Saturday while reacting to the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, an operation he described as a major victory for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president congratulated the rescued victims, their families and the security personnel who carried out the operation.
“The rescue of innocent schoolchildren from the hands of terrorists is a victory for our gallant troops and a source of hope for every Nigerian family. They deserve the gratitude of the nation,” Atiku said.
However, he argued that the successful operation exposed what he described as a failure of political leadership at the highest level.
According to him, it was troubling that the rescue coincided with the launch of the All Progressives Congress’ door-to-door campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
“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 said.
Atiku maintained that while the military discharged its responsibility with professionalism, the Presidency failed to provide the leadership Nigerians expected after one of the country’s most significant security successes in recent times.
He said President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, ought to have personally addressed the nation alongside the country’s defence chiefs immediately after the rescue operation.
“What Nigerians expected yesterday was to see a Commander-in-Chief leading from the front,” Atiku said.
“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.”
He added that such moments were “defining demonstrations of leadership” capable of strengthening public confidence, boosting troop morale and sending a strong signal to criminal groups.
The ADC presidential candidate criticised the decision to leave the announcement of the rescue to the President’s spokesman while the President was publicly engaged in political activities.
“The Commander-in-Chief is more than a constitutional title; it is a moral responsibility. In moments of national triumph and national grief, Nigerians expect to see their President embody that office.
“Leadership is not exercised only behind closed doors; it must also be seen, heard and felt by both the citizens and those who threaten them,” he added.
Atiku further warned that symbolism plays a critical role in the fight against insecurity.
“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,” he stated.
While welcoming the rescue, the former vice president cautioned against celebrating prematurely, noting that many Nigerians remain in captivity across different parts of the country.
“One successful rescue must not become an excuse for self-congratulation. A nation cannot celebrate while other parents still go to bed not knowing whether their children are alive or dead. Our work is not done until every abducted Nigerian is safely reunited with his or her family,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to sustain military pressure on terrorists, kidnappers and bandits until every abducted Nigerian is freed and communities under siege are restored to peace.
Atiku also insisted that the most important campaign for any administration should be the protection of lives and property rather than preparations for another election.
“No political slogan, no campaign structure and no electoral calculation can ever substitute for the sacred constitutional duty of protecting the lives and liberty of Nigerians.
“Citizens who cannot travel safely, send their children to school without fear or sleep peacefully in their homes are not asking for campaign promises; they are asking for leadership,” he further said.
The statement followed the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State after weeks in captivity, in an operation carried out by Nigerian security forces.
The development came amid renewed political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with the ruling APC recently launching its nationwide mobilisation campaign.
Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, and kidnapping for ransom across several states.
Security remains one of the dominant issues shaping the country’s political discourse ahead of the next general election.
The PUNCH