Atiku to Tinubu: Your billboards have better security than Nigerians

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Friday criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the country’s worsening security situation, saying the President’s campaign billboards appear to enjoy better protection than ordinary Nigerians.

In a post on his verified X account, Atiku alleged that while security personnel were deployed to guard Tinubu’s billboards in Kaduna State, many communities across the country remained exposed to attacks by bandits and terrorists.

“Bola, you claim Nigerians love you, yet your billboards in Kaduna require security guards,” Atiku wrote.

He continued: “Bandits raid villages, terrorists attack communities, and families live in fear. Your posters enjoy protection that millions of Nigerians can only dream of.”

The former presidential candidate described the situation as a reflection of what he called the government’s misplaced priorities.

“What a tragic statement of your government’s priorities,” he said.

Atiku urged the President to focus more attention on protecting lives instead of political images.

“Bola, please protect Nigerians with the same urgency you protect your image!” he added.

The opposition leader’s remarks come as insecurity remains one of the major issues facing Nigeria, with attacks by armed groups, kidnappings and killings continuing in several parts of the country despite ongoing military operations.

President Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly maintained that security agencies are intensifying efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. Government officials have also said several criminal camps have been dismantled and many suspects arrested in different operations across the country.

However, opposition figures and civil society groups have continued to call for stronger measures, arguing that many Nigerians still live under the constant threat of insecurity.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any official response to Atiku’s latest comments.