Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of gross negligence and absence in the face of escalating insecurity across Nigeria.
In a statement shared via his official Facebook page, Atiku condemned the federal government’s silence and inaction following a series of deadly attacks in Benue State that left scores dead in the Logo and Gbagir communities of Ukum Local Government Area.
“The Tinubu administration has proven, time and again, to be utterly incapable, wholly incompetent, and completely devoid of any coherent ideas for tackling Nigeria’s deepening security crisis,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president decried what he described as a disturbing pattern of leadership apathy, accusing President Tinubu of failing to show empathy or provide visible leadership during times of national distress.
“The blood of innocent Nigerians continues to be spilled with appalling regularity, yet the Tinubu presidency remains disturbingly indifferent — displaying neither urgency nor the basic decency of public empathy,” he said.
Drawing on international examples, Atiku referenced past global leaders who demonstrated symbolic leadership by returning home during crises. He cited former U.S. President Barack Obama, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Nigeria’s own Goodluck Jonathan as leaders who showed up when their nations needed them most.
“Yet President Bola Tinubu… chooses instead to gallivant across Europe — governing Nigeria in absentia as if from a holiday perch. If he cannot act, the least he can do is show up,” Atiku added.
In a show of solidarity, Atiku extended condolences to the government and people of Benue State, expressing grief over the continued bloodshed and reaffirming his commitment to justice and accountability.
“We stand with you in grief and in solidarity,” he wrote.
The PDP stalwart concluded with a sharp rebuke of the presidency, stressing that Nigerians deserve leaders who are both responsive and responsible — not just in governance but in presence.
“If Tinubu cannot deliver safety and dignity to Nigerians, the very least he can do is pretend to care,” Atiku said.
His remarks come amid growing public frustration over rising insecurity and an apparent leadership vacuum, with many now calling for more decisive action from the federal government to stem the tide of violence sweeping through communities across the country.
