Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu over comments suggesting that worsening insecurity will not stop his bid for a second term.
Speaking on Wednesday, Tinubu insisted he would seek re-election “against all odds”, warning that those hoping insecurity would force him out of office would be disappointed.
“I’m a very stubborn politician. I just refuse to go. And I will campaign for my second term,” the president said.
‘Remarks are troubling’ — Atiku
Reacting through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the president’s comments as “deeply troubling”, arguing that leadership should be measured by action, not defiance.
He said the administration had failed in its primary responsibility to protect lives and property, stressing that the scale of violence across the country speaks louder than political rhetoric.
“It is not political opponents who will judge this administration; it is the blood of innocent Nigerians being shed daily,” Atiku said.
Death toll and public anger
The former vice-president claimed that more than 10,000 Nigerians have been killed since Tinubu assumed office, with some estimates putting the figure above 18,000 within two years.
He criticised what he described as the government’s tendency to dismiss public outrage as political opportunism, warning that such remarks trivialise the suffering of victims.
Ekiti attack cited as example
Atiku pointed to a recent attack in Ekiti State, where gunmen killed a pastor and abducted worshippers, describing the federal government’s response as inadequate.
He said the lack of strong empathy or acknowledgement from top officials was alarming.
“It is horrifying that the memories of innocent citizens slain… would be reduced to political rhetoric,” he said.
‘People will decide’
Linking insecurity to rising living costs and declining public trust, Atiku argued that confidence in leadership must be earned through results.
“Ultimately, the people will decide,” he said.
“Nigerians do not need bravado; they need protection.”
He called on the federal government to urgently review its security strategy, insisting that safeguarding lives must remain the core test of governance.
