Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign over the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
The former Vice President expressed concern over the increasing wave of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, particularly the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Borno and Oyo states, describing the situation as a serious threat to the nation’s education sector.
Atiku said the continued attacks on schools have exposed the weakness of the government’s Safe Schools initiative and created fear among citizens.
His reaction follows the abduction of at least 42 pupils on May 15 during attacks on Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and SUBEB Secondary School in Mussa town, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
On the same day, over 40 students and teachers were reportedly kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, including Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, Primary School Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.
Reports also indicated that one of the teachers abducted during the attacks was later beheaded, while several victims are still being held captive.
Reacting to the incidents, Atiku said the Federal Government has continued to make promises without taking decisive action to address insecurity.
He urged the government to intensify efforts towards rescuing all abducted victims and restoring confidence among Nigerians.
According to him, the primary duty of any government is to guarantee the security and welfare of its citizens, adding that the current administration has failed in that responsibility.
“President Tinubu has no moral or political justification to remain in office while many innocent Nigerians remain in captivity across the country,” Atiku stated.
He further questioned how criminal groups have been allowed to operate freely, turning parts of the country into centres for kidnapping and violence.
The ADC presidential candidate stressed that insecurity should not be reduced to political rhetoric, insisting that Nigerians expect swift and effective action from the government whenever attacks occur.
Atiku warned that delayed responses to terrorist attacks could encourage more assaults on schools and communities.
He added that the government must reassure citizens that it is capable of protecting lives and maintaining law and order nationwide.
The former Vice President also criticised what he described as the slow pace of terrorism-related prosecutions in Nigeria.
He called for the establishment of special courts to fast-track the trial of suspected terrorists and bandits.
Atiku further advocated stricter punishment for terrorism offences, including the implementation of the death penalty for convicted terrorists, while urging the government to demonstrate stronger political will in tackling insecurity.
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