Oyo Children Freed On APC’s Re-election Campaign Day – Atiku Blasts Tinubu 

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress, ADC, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has described the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State as “a huge relief,” but raised concerns over what he called a “political undertone” to the development.

In a statement on Saturday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said it was “striking and shocking” that the victims regained their freedom on the same day the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, launched its ‘Door-to-Door’ campaign for the 2027 presidential election.

While commending the Nigerian military for the successful rescue, Atiku criticised the Tinubu administration, alleging that the government appears more consumed by re-election politics while innocent schoolchildren remained in captivity for weeks.

He argued that rescuing citizens should take precedence over political campaigns.

“The rescue of innocent schoolchildren from the hands of terrorists is a victory for our gallant troops and a source of hope for every Nigerian family. They deserve the gratitude of the nation,” he said.

“No serious government should be consumed by the politics of re-election while innocent schoolchildren have remained in the custody of kidnappers for weeks. The first campaign of any responsible administration must be the campaign to rescue its citizens, restore security and reassure anxious families. Politics can wait; the lives of innocent children cannot. Yesterday should have been dedicated to the war room, not the campaign room.”

Atiku further stated that the office of Commander-in-Chief carries both constitutional and moral weight.

“The Commander-in-Chief is more than a constitutional title; it is a moral responsibility. In moments of national triumph and national grief, Nigerians expect to see their president embody that office. Leadership is not exercised only behind closed doors; it must also be seen, heard and felt by both the citizens and those who threaten them,” he stated.