Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing criticism of President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of neglecting his leadership duties amid escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
In a statement released via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Atiku condemned President Tinubu’s ongoing trip to Europe at a time when violent attacks in Benue State have claimed numerous lives in the Logo and Gbagir communities of Ukum Local Government Area.
“The Tinubu administration has proven, time and again, to be utterly incapable, wholly incompetent, and completely devoid of any coherent ideas for tackling Nigeria’s deepening security crisis,” Atiku stated.
Expressing outrage over the administration’s perceived indifference to the loss of lives, Atiku said the president has failed to demonstrate even the basic decency of public empathy. He highlighted how global and local leaders — including Barack Obama, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Goodluck Jonathan — had previously cut short international engagements to return home during national crises.
“Leadership demands presence,” Atiku wrote. “Yet President Bola Tinubu, incapable of solving Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, chooses instead to gallivant across Europe — governing Nigeria in absentia as if from a holiday perch. If he cannot act, the least he can do is show up.”
He further described the Tinubu presidency as disconnected from the realities of Nigerians, calling the government’s reaction to national tragedies “disturbingly indifferent.”
Atiku’s comments come as tensions rise over the federal government’s handling of national security, with growing calls from citizens and political leaders for more decisive and compassionate leadership.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the people and Government of Benue State,” Atiku added. “We stand with you in grief and in solidarity.”
He concluded by reaffirming that the opposition would not remain silent. “If Tinubu cannot deliver safety and dignity to Nigerians, the very least he can do is pretend to care — regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.”
