Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the release of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and their teachers but questioned the timing of the development, alleging it carried political undertones.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described it as “striking and shocking” that the victims regained their freedom on the same day the national leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) launched its door-to-door campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
While commending the Nigerian military for the successful rescue operation, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of prioritising re-election politics over the safety of citizens.
According to him, the government ought to have focused on securing the release of the abducted schoolchildren before embarking on political campaigns for the next general election.
“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.
“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.”
Atiku further argued that the office of the President carries a moral obligation beyond its constitutional powers, saying Nigerians expect visible leadership during moments of both national success and tragedy.
“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. Leadership is not exercised only behind closed doors; it must also be seen, heard and felt by both the citizens and those who threaten them,” he stated.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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