Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State occurred on the same day the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) launched its 2027 re-election campaign. Atiku argued that national security—not electioneering—should have dominated the President’s attention at such a critical moment.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has questioned the priorities of the Tinubu administration following the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, arguing that the day should have been devoted to reassuring Nigerians rather than political activities linked to the 2027 election.
In a strongly worded statement, the ADC presidential candidate said the rescue operation represented a major security achievement that deserved direct presidential engagement instead of being overshadowed by campaign events.
Atiku noted that while security agencies successfully secured the freedom of the pupils and teachers after nearly two months in captivity, President Tinubu did not personally address the nation on the development.
According to him, Nigerians expected the Commander-in-Chief to appear alongside defence and security chiefs to brief the country, commend the troops, reassure families of other abductees and send a strong warning to criminal groups.
Instead, Atiku claimed the announcement of the rescue was left to presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, while the President remained publicly engaged in activities connected to the APC’s re-election campaign.
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.
The Presidency has since praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for the operation, while confirming that several suspects have been arrested and are facing investigation.
Atiku, however, argued that the successful rescue should not distract from the reality that many other Nigerians remain in captivity across Borno and other parts of the country.
In his statement, Atiku said:
“The greatest campaign any president can undertake is not for re-election but for the safety and security of the Nigerian people.”
He urged the Federal Government to maintain sustained military operations against kidnappers and insurgents while prioritising the rescue of every Nigerian still being held captive.
Atiku’s latest remarks add to the growing political exchanges between the Presidency and opposition leaders over the government’s handling of insecurity as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum. While both sides welcomed the rescue of the Oyo victims, they remain sharply divided over how the administration responded to the moment and the message it sent to Nigerians.