Former VP Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu
Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the security situation in the country, saying the protection of Nigerians should take precedence over preparations for the 2027 presidential campaign.
In a post shared on his X handle on Sunday, Ibe referred to President Tinubu’s earlier assurance that governance would remain his priority during the election season, arguing that the promise should be reflected in efforts to safeguard lives across the country.
“On October 14, President @officialABAT assured Nigerians that governance would remain his priority during the election campaign. His campaign timetable subsequently provided for appearances in just 12 of the 36 states. Fair enough.
“But that promise must be measured by the safety of Nigerians, not merely by the number of rallies the President attends,” he wrote.
Ibe cited the attack on Binnari village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, which occurred on Friday, October 23.
According to him, Amnesty International reported that at least 40 people were killed during the attack, while shops were looted, houses were burnt and many residents were forced to flee their homes.
Describing the victims as ordinary Nigerians whose lives mattered, he said the tragedy deserved urgent attention from the nation’s leadership.
“These were human beings with families, livelihoods and dreams. Their protection should command greater presidential urgency than preparations for another term,” he stated.
The former vice president’s aide also compared the attack with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s presidential campaign flag-off held in Kaduna.
“While the APC organised its campaign flag-off in Kaduna, families in Binnari were counting their dead. What does the promise to prioritise governance mean to those families?” he asked.
He further urged the Federal Government to move beyond expressing sympathy and take decisive action to improve security and ensure justice for victims.
“Condolences cannot substitute for protection. Nigerians deserve timely security intervention, support for survivors and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
“Attending fewer rallies is a scheduling decision. Protecting Nigerians is the test of leadership.
“Mr President, where is the urgency to secure Nigerian lives?” Ibe wrote.
The comments add to the growing political debate over security as political parties intensify activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Federal Government has repeatedly maintained that tackling insecurity remains one of its top priorities, while security agencies continue operations against armed groups in different parts of the country. However, opposition figures have continued to call for stronger and more decisive action to protect lives and property across Nigeria.
