The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oyo State, but expressed concern that it coincided with the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s nationwide campaign activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election
He criticised President Bola Tinubu for focusing on political campaigns while the country continues to grapple with insecurity, insisting Nigeria needs a “Commander-in-Chief, not a Campaigner-in-Chief” and that national security should take precedence over partisan politics.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president described the rescue of the pupils and teachers as a source of relief for their families and Nigerians.
He commended the military and other security agencies for their professionalism and courage in securing the victims’ release.
“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,” he said.
The former vice president, however, said it was troubling that the rescue coincided with the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s door-to-door campaign for the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, no responsible government should prioritise re-election campaigns while citizens remain in the custody of kidnappers.
“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,” he said.
Atiku argued that although the military rose to the occasion, the presidency failed to demonstrate leadership by not publicly addressing Nigerians after the rescue.
He said President Tinubu should have appeared alongside the country’s security chiefs to brief the nation, acknowledge the efforts of security personnel, reassure families of abducted victims and send a strong warning to criminal groups.
“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,” he stated.
He added that public leadership during major security successes boosts troop morale, reassures citizens and sends a clear message to terrorists and bandits.
Atiku warned that the successful rescue in Oyo should not overshadow the plight of many other Nigerians still being held captive across the country, including victims in Borno and other states.
“One successful rescue must not become an excuse for self-congratulation. Our work is not done until every abducted Nigerian is safely reunited with his or her family,” he said.
The former vice president urged the federal government to sustain military operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until lasting peace is restored across the country.
