The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 general election, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to place the security of Nigerians above political campaigns, even as he welcomed the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their professionalism, bravery and commitment, describing the rescue operation as a remarkable achievement.
Atiku praised the courage displayed by the security personnel involved in the mission, noting that their efforts deserved national recognition.
He, however, expressed concern that the rescue coincided with the official launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) nationwide “Door-to-Door” campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to Atiku, the timing raised questions about the government’s priorities at a period when many Nigerians remain victims of insecurity.
“No serious government should be consumed by the politics of re-election while innocent schoolchildren have remained in the custody of kidnappers for weeks. 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. Yesterday should have been dedicated to the war room, not the campaign room,” he said.
The former Vice President argued that while the military fulfilled its responsibilities commendably, the Presidency failed to demonstrate the leadership expected during such a significant national security development.
According to him, President Tinubu should have personally addressed Nigerians immediately after the rescue alongside the country’s military leadership.
He said such an address would have provided an opportunity to explain the operation, recognise the efforts of the security forces, reassure families of other victims still in captivity and send a clear warning to terrorists and kidnappers.
“What Nigerians expected yesterday was to see a commander-in-chief leading from the front. Following the successful rescue operation, the president ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defence chiefs—not merely to announce the good news, but to brief Nigerians on the operation; acknowledge the bravery of the troops; highlight the lessons learned; reassure families that no effort would be spared to rescue those still in captivity; and send an unmistakable message to bandits and terrorists that the Nigerian state remains resolute.
“Such moments are not ordinary press events; they are defining demonstrations of leadership that strengthen public confidence, boost military morale, and remind criminal elements that they are confronting a government that neither sleeps nor surrenders,” Atiku stated.
He criticised the decision to allow the announcement of the rescue to come through the President’s spokesman rather than directly from the Commander-in-Chief.
According to him, symbolism plays a vital role in counter-terrorism efforts because it boosts public confidence and motivates security personnel.
“When our troops accomplish a difficult mission, they deserve visible presidential recognition. When citizens witness their President speaking with conviction after such an operation, they draw strength and confidence. Equally, those who seek to terrorise our people are reminded that they are confronting a united and determined state. The opposite risks creating an unfortunate perception that politics has taken precedence over the solemn responsibility of securing the nation,” he said.
Drawing on an African proverb, Atiku stressed that true leadership requires personal involvement during periods of national crisis.
“There is an old African proverb that says, ‘When the drum of danger beats, the village chief does not send a messenger to dance in his place.’ Yesterday belonged to our brave soldiers, and they acquitted themselves with honour. But it should also have been the moment for the commander-in-chief to stand before the nation, salute their courage, comfort anxious families and send a chilling message to every bandit and terrorist that the Nigerian state will pursue them without rest until every captive is free. Leadership is not only measured by victories won on the battlefield but also by the courage displayed from the highest office in moments that define a nation,” he added.
While celebrating the rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers, Atiku warned against allowing the successful operation to overshadow the continued suffering of other Nigerians still being held by kidnappers and terrorist groups across the country.
He pointed out that many victims remain in captivity in states such as Borno and several other parts of Nigeria, stressing that their freedom should remain a national priority.
According to him, the Federal Government must sustain military pressure against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits until every hostage regains freedom and communities affected by insecurity experience lasting peace.
He concluded that the most important campaign any administration should undertake is the campaign to protect lives and secure the country rather than preparations for another election.
“The greatest campaign any president can undertake is not for re-election but for the safety and security of the Nigerian people,” Atiku said.
He called on the Federal Government to maintain relentless operations against criminal groups and ensure that every abducted Nigerian is rescued while restoring peace across troubled communities.
