Atiku Abubakar Criticizes President Tinubu’s Absence Amid National Crisis
ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu for his prolonged stay in France amid escalating violence and insecurity across Nigeria. Atiku described the country as being in a “full-blown state of emergency” and accused the president of abandoning Nigerians during one of the nation’s darkest moments.
Condemnation of Tinubu’s Foreign Trip
Atiku’s criticism centers on President Tinubu’s decision to leave Nigeria on April 2, 2025, for what the presidency termed a “working visit” to France. Atiku dismissed this explanation as a “vacation cloaked in official jargon,” arguing that there was nothing Tinubu could accomplish abroad that he could not do from within Nigeria.
A statement from Atiku’s media office, read by his aide Paul Ibe, accused Tinubu of showing “contempt” for Nigerians by remaining overseas while parts of the country, including Plateau and Benue States, are engulfed in violence. “While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos,” Atiku said.
Security Crisis and Human Toll
Atiku highlighted the recent surge in deadly attacks, pointing to over 100 lives lost in Plateau State alone due to relentless assaults by armed groups. He also referenced ongoing violence in Benue State and the resurgence of Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, which have displaced thousands and deepened insecurity.
“This isn’t just negligence. It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale,” Atiku stated, emphasizing that the president’s absence during such a critical period amounts to a failure to uphold the constitutional responsibility to protect lives and ensure citizens’ welfare.
Calls for Immediate Return and Accountability
The former vice president urged President Tinubu to cut short his trip and return immediately to address the crises at home. “If Tinubu had even a shred of empathy, he would cut his trip short and return immediately. A leader with an ounce of patriotism wouldn’t need to be begged to show up in times of crisis,” Atiku said.
He further questioned the rationale behind the president’s foreign engagements, noting that by the time of his return, Tinubu would have spent a staggering 59 days in France since assuming office in May 2023. Atiku called on the government to declare a genuine state of emergency to tackle the nation’s multifaceted crises.
Public and Political Reactions
Atiku’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over the government’s handling of security and economic challenges, including inflation, fuel scarcity, and currency depreciation. Critics have repeatedly questioned the timing and necessity of the president’s trips abroad, especially as violence intensifies in several regions.
While the presidency has defended Tinubu’s foreign visits as essential for diplomatic relations and attracting investment, the opposition insists that national security and welfare should take precedence.
Conclusion
Atiku Abubakar’s condemnation of President Tinubu’s absence during Nigeria’s security crisis underscores the deepening political tensions and public anxiety over governance failures. As attacks continue to claim lives and displace communities, calls for urgent leadership and accountability are intensifying across the country.
