The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned what he described as the “shocking insensitivity” of the President Bola Tinubu administration to the plight of abducted pupils, teachers, their traumatised families, and Nigeria at large.
In a statement released by his senior special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, and sent to Daily Trust, Atiku said that nearly three weeks after schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted in Oyo state on May 15, the nation is still awaiting their safe return, while “the federal government appears more focused on political activities than on the anguish of affected families whose loved ones remain in captivity.”
Atiku said it is difficult to understand how a government that claims to care for its citizens could continue to project an atmosphere of celebration while innocent children and teachers remain at the mercy of kidnappers.
According to the opposition leader, leadership is not merely about occupying office; it is about demonstrating empathy when citizens are in distress.
Atiku expressed particular disappointment that the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, personally anchored several activities. He noted that the First Lady is frequently presented as the mother of the nation. However, he said Nigerians are entitled to ask a painful question: what kind of mother can comfortably sleep, dance, celebrate political victories, receive campaign groups, and distribute luxury vehicles while toddlers, schoolchildren, and their teachers remain in captivity?
Atiku stated: “A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing. A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones. A true mother would use every platform available to keep the plight of those children at the forefront of national consciousness until they are safely reunited with their families.”
He noted that while parents of the abducted children have endured sleepless nights since May 15, worrying about the fate of their sons and daughters, Nigerians have been confronted with images of political gatherings, partisan celebrations, campaign-style events, and the distribution of vehicles to political allies.
According to him, the contrast is both painful and deeply disturbing.
Furthermore, the ex-vice president stressed that public office holders must understand that symbolism matters, particularly during moments of national tragedy.
He said: “When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion. What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry. They do not expect campaign songs. They do not expect celebrations. They certainly do not expect luxury gifts being handed out to political loyalists while families are living through one of the darkest moments of their lives.”
Atiku lamented that under the Tinubu administration, mass kidnappings appear to have become so frequent that government officials no longer respond with the sense of urgency such tragedies demand.
He warned that when leaders become comfortable with recurring acts of terror, they inadvertently embolden criminals and deepen public despair.
The ADC chieftain called on the federal government to immediately deploy every available security and intelligence resource towards securing the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He also urged authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted as a deterrent to others.
