Amanze Chinonye
The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has rejected the Presidency’s claim that he remained silent following the rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, insisting that he publicly commended the security agencies and welcomed the operation in an earlier statement, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the allegation as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts, arguing that the Presidency either failed to verify publicly available information or deliberately ignored his earlier remarks because they were critical of the Tinubu administration.
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According to Atiku, he had issued a statement titled “A Nation at War Needs a Commander-in-Chief, Not a Campaigner-in-Chief,” in which he celebrated the safe return of the pupils, praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their professionalism and sacrifice, and called for sustained efforts to secure the release of Nigerians still being held by kidnappers.
He maintained that the Presidency’s assertion that he made no public comment after the rescue was demonstrably false.
While reiterating his appreciation for the security agencies, Atiku said he deliberately refrained from commending President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the Commander-in-Chief should have been more visibly engaged in leading the nation at a critical moment rather than participating in partisan political activities.
He further argued that although the rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren was a welcome development, it should not divert attention from the continued captivity of other victims of kidnapping across the country, particularly in Borno State and other violence-hit regions. He urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all those still in captivity.
Atiku also accused the Presidency of devoting unnecessary attention to opposition statements instead of addressing the country’s worsening security challenges, insisting that Nigerians deserve a government focused on delivering tangible security outcomes rather than political messaging.
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The statement was issued in response to remarks by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who had accused the former vice president of failing to acknowledge the rescue of the abducted pupils nearly 18 hours after they regained their freedom.
In a social media post, Onanuga alleged that although Atiku repeatedly criticised the Tinubu administration during the pupils’ 57-day captivity, he had gone silent following their release.
He contrasted Atiku’s response with that of NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, who welcomed the children’s safe return, thanked the security personnel and others involved in the operation, called for thanksgiving, and urged the government to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect schoolchildren and other vulnerable citizens.
The latest exchange underscores how security has become an increasingly contentious political issue ahead of the 2027 general election.
While the successful rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren has been widely welcomed, the sharp disagreement between the Presidency and opposition figures reflects the growing battle over public perception of the Tinubu administration’s handling of insecurity a challenge that is expected to remain central to national political discourse in the months ahead.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
