Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s reaction to the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, accusing him of placing politics ahead of national security.
In a statement issued on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said although the successful rescue deserved commendation, the President failed to provide the leadership expected of a Commander-in-Chief during a moment of national importance.
He expressed relief over the safe return of the victims, describing it as encouraging news for their families and Nigerians who had hoped for their rescue.
The former vice president also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their professionalism, courage and dedication in carrying out the operation.
According to him, the rescue represented a significant victory against criminal elements and deserved recognition from the nation.
Atiku, however, argued that the timing of the rescue, which coincided with the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s nationwide door-to-door campaign for the 2027 elections, raised concerns about the government’s priorities.
He maintained that no responsible administration should focus on political campaigns while citizens remained in captivity, insisting that securing lives should come before electioneering.
”The first responsibility of any government is to protect its people. Politics should take the back seat until every Nigerian can feel safe,” he said.
The ADC chieftain further stated that while terrorism is a global challenge, effective leadership is measured by how leaders respond when security agencies record major successes.
He argued that President Tinubu should have personally addressed Nigerians alongside security chiefs after the rescue, saying such an appearance would have reassured citizens, boosted the morale of security personnel and sent a strong message to terrorists and kidnappers.
Atiku said Nigerians expected to see their Commander-in-Chief visibly leading during such a significant national event rather than leaving the announcement to presidential aides while attending political engagements.
He stressed that the office of the Commander-in-Chief carries both constitutional and moral responsibilities, adding that leadership must be visible during moments of national triumph and crisis.
According to him, publicly recognising the efforts of the military would strengthen public confidence and reinforce the determination of security forces in the fight against terrorism.
While congratulating the armed forces for the successful operation, Atiku warned against treating the rescue as evidence that the country’s security challenges had been overcome.
He noted that many Nigerians, including abducted schoolchildren and other victims in Borno State and several parts of the country, were still in captivity.
He urged the Federal Government to sustain military operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until all abducted Nigerians regain their freedom and communities affected by insecurity are restored to peace.
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.”
He concluded that although the country’s security forces had distinguished themselves during the rescue mission, the occasion also required strong and visible leadership from the President, insisting that leadership is defined not only by victories on the battlefield but also by the courage displayed at the highest level of government.