Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly prioritising political activities ahead of the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to threaten lives across the country.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said Nigeria needs a “Commander-in-Chief, not a Campaigner-in-Chief,” urging the President to focus more on addressing the nation’s security challenges than on electoral politics.

The former vice president, however, welcomed the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the development as a moment of relief for the victims’ families and Nigerians at large.

He commended the military and other security agencies for what he called their professionalism, bravery and commitment in securing the release of the captives.

“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,” Atiku said.

Despite applauding the security operation, Atiku expressed concern that the rescue coincided with the launch of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, no responsible government should place political campaigns above the urgent task of securing the lives of citizens still trapped in the hands of kidnappers and criminal groups.

“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 stated.

Atiku further argued that while the military rose to the challenge, the Presidency failed to demonstrate visible leadership by not publicly addressing Nigerians after the successful rescue operation.

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He said President Tinubu should have appeared alongside security chiefs to brief the nation, acknowledge the sacrifices of security personnel, reassure families of victims still in captivity and send a strong warning to terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.

“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 said.

The ADC flagbearer added that visible leadership during significant security victories plays a critical role in boosting troop morale, strengthening public confidence and projecting the government’s resolve against criminal elements.

He also cautioned against celebrating the Oyo rescue operation as a final victory, noting that many Nigerians remain in captivity across different parts of the country, including insurgency-affected communities in Borno State and other regions.

“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.

Atiku urged the Federal Government to intensify and sustain military operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers until lasting peace and security are restored nationwide.

He maintained that the most important campaign any administration can undertake is the protection of lives and property, insisting that Nigerians are seeking decisive leadership and tangible security outcomes rather than political rhetoric.