Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu over recent comments suggesting that worsening insecurity would not force him out of office.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the president’s remarks as troubling and disconnected from the daily realities faced by Nigerians.
He said it was insensitive to reduce the suffering of victims of violence to political rhetoric, stressing that leadership should be defined by empathy, responsibility, and decisive action in times of crisis.
“It is horrifying that the deaths of innocent citizens resulting from security failures are reduced to mere political talk,” Atiku stated.
While acknowledging Tinubu’s constitutional right to seek re-election, the former vice president argued that the administration has fallen short of its primary responsibility—protecting lives and property.
He warned that the scale of violence across the country has reached alarming levels, claiming that more than 10,000 Nigerians have been killed since May 2023, with some estimates exceeding 18,000 within two years.
According to Atiku, the human cost of the crisis goes beyond statistics. “These are not just numbers—they represent shattered families, destroyed communities, and a nation in distress,” he said, adding that the loss of lives would ultimately define public judgment of the administration.
He also criticised what he described as the government’s muted response to recent attacks, citing an incident in Ilejemeje, Ekiti State, where gunmen reportedly attacked a church, killed a pastor, and abducted worshippers.
Atiku said the lack of strong official reaction to such events raises concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.
He further linked the security challenges to broader issues, including rising living costs and controversial fiscal policies, arguing that these factors are eroding public trust.
“Trust must be earned, not demanded,” he said, warning against any attempt to silence criticism from citizens who are directly affected by the country’s challenges.
Atiku concluded by urging the administration to move beyond statements and take urgent, concrete steps to overhaul the nation’s security architecture.
“Ultimately, Nigerians will judge based on their lived experiences. At a time like this, they need protection—not political bravado, but clear evidence of leadership,” he said.
