Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing attack on First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, accusing her and the administration of President Bola Tinubu of shocking insensitivity toward the plight of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State nearly three weeks ago. In a statement issued on Friday, June 5, 2026, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku questioned why political celebrations and campaign-style events have taken precedence over national anguish.
Atiku noted that Nigerians are still waiting for the safe return of pupils and teachers abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle, Oriire Local Government Area, on May 15, 2026. The coordinated attack by heavily armed gunmen also resulted in the killing of at least one teacher. While the Federal Government has repeatedly assured the public that rescue efforts are ongoing, the victims remain in captivity as of June 5.
The former vice president expressed particular disappointment that many of the activities drawing public criticism were personally anchored by the First Lady. He cited recent events including the inauguration of the "Tinubu Torchbearers" — a pro‑Tinubu support group — at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, as well as the donation of vehicles to APC women leaders in opposition‑controlled states. According to Atiku, these displays clash painfully with the agony of parents who have endured sleepless nights since the abduction.
“A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing,” Atiku declared. “A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones. A true mother would use every platform available to keep the plight of those children at the forefront of national consciousness until they are safely reunited with their families.” He questioned, “What kind of mother can comfortably sleep, dance, celebrate political victories, receive campaign groups, and distribute luxury vehicles while toddlers, schoolchildren, and their teachers remain in captivity?”
The former vice president further argued that the contrast between the suffering of affected families and the images of political gatherings and celebrations circulating in the public space has deepened public frustration. “When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion,” Atiku stated. “What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry. They do not expect campaign songs. They do not expect celebrations. They certainly do not expect luxury gifts being handed out to political loyalists while families are living through one of the darkest moments of their lives.”
Atiku warned that the persistence of mass abductions without decisive resolution risks normalising insecurity and weakening public confidence in government institutions. He lamented that under the Tinubu administration, mass kidnappings appear to have become so frequent that government officials no longer respond with the sense of urgency such tragedies demand. He called on the Federal Government to immediately deploy all available security and intelligence resources toward securing the safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, and to ensure that the perpetrators are tracked, arrested, and prosecuted.
President Bola Tinubu, on May 18, condemned the killing of one of the abducted teachers as barbaric and reiterated that rescue operations were underway. He also used the incident to renew his call for the establishment of state police, arguing that underserved areas require localised security architecture. On Children’s Day, May 27, Tinubu promised the safe return of the abducted children, stating that they would not be forgotten as security agencies intensify rescue efforts. On her part, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu extended her well‑wishes and love to every child across the nation during the same Children’s Day celebration hosted at the State House Banquet Hall.
However, Atiku dismissed these assurances as insufficient. “Leadership is not merely about occupying office; it is about demonstrating empathy when citizens are in distress,” he said. “At a time like this, Nigerians need urgency, compassion and results—not celebration and political theatre.” He warned that history would judge leaders not by political ceremonies or public displays, but by how they respond in moments of national crisis.
As of Friday evening, the Presidency had not issued an official response to Atiku’s latest criticism. In the past, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga has exchanged sharp words with Atiku’s camp over issues ranging from power rotation to economic policy, but no immediate rebuttal was offered regarding the “true mother” salvo. The Oyo State Police Command continues to lead rescue operations, though no new breakthroughs have been publicly announced since the launch of the search mission.
For the families of the abducted children, every passing day deepens the agony. For Atiku, who secured the ADC presidential ticket on May 28 and is positioning himself as the leading opposition challenger to President Tinubu in the January 2027 election, the condemnation serves as both a moral indictment of the administration’s priorities and a campaign rallying cry. “Until every abducted child and teacher returns safely, every display of political merriment is a painful reminder of a government that appears increasingly disconnected from the suffering of its own people,” Atiku concluded.
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