Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his recent comments on seeking re-election despite the worsening security situation in the country.
President Tinubu, while reaffirming his intention to run for a second term, said he would not be deterred by insecurity or political opposition, adding that those allegedly using the crisis against him would fail.
“You are playing into the hands of agents, including my own enemies, who want to use insecurity to get rid of me… I’m a very stubborn politician. I just refuse to go. And I will campaign for my second term,” the President said.
Reacting in a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the remarks as troubling and insensitive to the realities facing Nigerians.
He said the administration would ultimately be judged not by political rhetoric, but by the worsening security situation across the country.
“It is not political opponents who will judge this administration; it is the blood of innocent Nigerians being shed daily across our land. That blood cries out louder than any declaration of political resolve,” Atiku stated.
He added that it was “horrifying” for the loss of lives to be reduced to political commentary, arguing that such incidents should instead elicit empathy and urgent action from government.
According to him, the scale of insecurity reflects a deeper failure of governance, stressing that Nigerians are more concerned about protection than political ambition.
“No amount of deflection or intimidation can rewrite the lived reality of Nigerians,” he said, adding that citizens will ultimately make their judgment based on their experiences.
Atiku further noted that leadership is being tested by the rising toll of violence across communities, insisting that governance is “on trial” amid ongoing insecurity.
He concluded that Nigerians “do not need bravado” but effective leadership capable of restoring safety and stability across the country.
