Atiku Welcomes Oyo Rescue, Urges Tinubu to Prioritise Security Over Politics

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritise tackling Nigeria's worsening insecurity over political activities ahead of the next general election.

Atiku made the call while welcoming the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major success for Nigeria's security forces.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for what he described as their courage, professionalism and sacrifice in securing the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity.

Atiku, however, said it was significant that the rescue coincided with the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s nationwide "Door-to-Door" campaign for President Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid.

According to him, the Federal Government should have concentrated its attention on the country's security challenges rather than early electioneering.

"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.

While applauding the military for the successful operation, Atiku argued that the Presidency failed to demonstrate the level of leadership expected at such a critical moment.

He said Nigerians expected President Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to personally address the nation alongside the country's defence chiefs after the rescue operation.

According to him, such an address would have served not only to announce the successful rescue but also to reassure citizens, honour the sacrifices of security personnel and send a strong 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," he said.

The former vice president expressed disappointment that the announcement of the rescue was left to the President's spokesman while the President remained publicly engaged in political activities.

He argued that symbolism plays a crucial role in the fight against terrorism and insecurity.

"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," Atiku stated.

Quoting an African proverb, he added: "When the drum of danger beats, the village chief does not send a messenger to dance in his place."

He maintained that while the successful rescue operation deserved celebration, it should also have provided an opportunity for the President to publicly commend the security agencies, comfort affected families and reaffirm the government's commitment to defeating terrorism.

Atiku stressed that the rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers should not overshadow the plight of many other Nigerians who remain in captivity across different parts of the country.

He specifically referenced abducted schoolchildren and other victims still being held by terrorists and criminal groups in Borno State and several other parts of Nigeria.

According to him, the Federal Government must sustain military and intelligence operations until every kidnapped Nigerian regains freedom.

"The greatest campaign any president can undertake is not for re-election but for the safety and security of the Nigerian people," he said.

He urged the Federal Government to maintain relentless pressure on terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until every abducted citizen is rescued and communities affected by insecurity are restored to peace.