Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of prioritising political activities over national security, arguing that the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State coincided with the launch of the APC’s 2027 re-election campaign. Atiku said the moment called for presidential leadership on security rather than electioneering.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the aftermath of the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, saying the administration projected the wrong priorities by focusing public attention on its political campaign.
The opposition leader argued that while Nigerians were celebrating the return of the victims after weeks in captivity, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was unveiling its re-election campaign for the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for successfully rescuing the victims but questioned the Presidency’s response to the development.
According to Atiku, President Tinubu should have personally addressed the nation, reassured families of other abductees and used the occasion to reinforce the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
Instead, he argued, the rescue announcement was overshadowed by activities linked to the APC’s campaign mobilisation for the 2027 elections.
The rescued pupils and teachers had spent about 56 days in captivity after being abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Following their rescue, the Presidency praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, while confirming that several suspects had been arrested and investigations were ongoing.
The rescue has since become the subject of political exchanges between the Presidency and opposition figures over the government’s handling of insecurity and public communication.
Atiku maintained that national security should remain the government’s foremost priority, regardless of the political calendar.
He urged the Federal Government to sustain rescue operations across the country, noting that many Nigerians are still being held by kidnappers and insurgent groups in different parts of the country.
The latest criticism underscores the increasingly heated political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general election, with both the Presidency and opposition leaders seeking to shape the public narrative around security and governance. While all sides have welcomed the rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers, disagreements continue over how the administration responded to the milestone.