Former Nigerian Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to place national security above political campaigning, following the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
In a statement released on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for carrying out the operation that secured the victims’ freedom. He described the rescue as a testament to the bravery, professionalism and sacrifice of the security personnel involved.
However, Atiku expressed concern that the rescue coincided with the launch of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s nationwide “Door-to-Door” campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, a government facing persistent security threats should focus its energy on protecting citizens rather than electoral politics.
“The greatest campaign any administration can undertake is the campaign to secure lives and restore peace,” Atiku said, adding that politics should never take precedence over the safety of innocent Nigerians.
He argued that the successful rescue provided an opportunity for President Tinubu to personally address the nation alongside military leaders, recognize the sacrifices of security personnel, reassure families of victims still in captivity and send a strong warning to terrorists and kidnappers.
Atiku maintained that such leadership would strengthen public confidence, boost the morale of security forces and demonstrate the government’s determination to defeat criminal groups threatening the country.
While welcoming the rescue, he cautioned that many Nigerians—including schoolchildren and other civilians abducted in different parts of the country, particularly in the northeast—remain in captivity.
He urged the Federal Government to sustain military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits until every abducted citizen is rescued and communities affected by insecurity can live in peace once again.
The statement also emphasized that effective leadership is measured not only by military victories but by visible national leadership during moments of crisis.
