The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for failing to personally address Nigerians following the rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State.
The former Vice President, however, welcomed the successful rescue of the victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending more than 50 days in captivity.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for carrying out the operation, describing their efforts as courageous, professional and selfless.
He also urged President Tinubu to place greater emphasis on protecting Nigerians rather than engaging in political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to Atiku, the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State occurred on the same day the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) launched its door-to-door campaign for the 2027 presidential election.
He argued that the government should have concentrated fully on security matters instead of electioneering.
“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,” Atiku said.
The ADC candidate further stated that although the military successfully completed the rescue mission, the Presidency missed an opportunity to demonstrate leadership.
He maintained that President Tinubu should have immediately addressed the nation alongside the country’s defence chiefs after the operation to brief Nigerians, recognise the efforts of the troops, reassure affected families and send a strong warning to terrorists and bandits.
According to him, such moments are critical for boosting public confidence, strengthening military morale and showing criminals that the government remains committed to defeating insecurity.
Atiku also expressed disappointment that the announcement of the rescue was made by the President’s spokesperson while the President continued with political engagements.
He stressed that visible presidential leadership during major security successes plays an important role in the fight against terrorism and criminality.
Quoting an African proverb, Atiku said, “When the drum of danger beats, the village chief does not send a messenger to dance in his place,” adding that leadership is judged not only by military victories but also by how leaders respond during defining national moments.
While celebrating the rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, Atiku cautioned against overlooking the plight of other Nigerians still being held captive in different parts of the country, including victims in Borno State and other affected communities.
He called on the Federal Government to sustain military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits until all abducted Nigerians are rescued and peace is restored across the country.
According to Atiku, the most important campaign for any president should be ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians rather than pursuing re-election.
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