Jos, Nigeria — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has vehemently rejected criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State, branding the remarks as politically driven and misleading.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku’s Accusations
Atiku, in a statement on social media and via traditional channels over the weekend, faulted Tinubu’s visit to Plateau for being more about party politics than national solidarity. He claimed the President opted to attend the funeral of the mother of APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda in Jos, rather than extend condolences to victims of widespread insecurity across Nigeria.
He called the visit “a social event” under the auspices of his party, accusing Tinubu of ignoring states plagued by violence. “It is a sad reflection of priorities … that while families in Plateau continue to bury their loved ones, President Tinubu chose to grace a political funeral rather than stand with the people in their darkest hour,” Atiku said.
APC’s Firm Rebuttal
Responding swiftly, APC’s Lagos State spokesman, Seye Oladejo, described Atiku’s assertions as “propaganda” and “cheap politicking.” He insisted the President’s trip was an act of compassion, not political posturing.
Oladejo emphasized Tinubu’s commitment to security, stating that the government is enhancing intelligence-led operations and fostering collaboration among security agencies. “Only a person blinded by political bitterness would seek to twist such a solemn event for propaganda purposes,” he said.
The APC also asserted that criticisms like Atiku’s are distractions, and warned against politicizing sensitive national issues, urging instead focus on national unity and stability.
Wider Reactions
Notably, Adams Oshiomhole, former national chairman of APC, expressed sympathy for Atiku’s frustration, acknowledging that citizens may feel overlooked in states suffering from high insecurity. While Oshiomhole did not fully side with Atiku, he suggested the criticism might stem from genuine concerns.
Context of the Visit
President Tinubu attended the funeral service for Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of the APC Chairman, in Jos. His presence drew high-profile guests, including the Senate President, the National Security Adviser, and Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Plateau State has been beset by recurring violence attributed to bandits and militias. While casualty figures vary, human rights groups have flagged deeply concerning trends of loss of life and community displacements across the region.
Analysis: Political Motive or Legitimate Critique?
Atiku’s critique fits a common opposition strategy of spotlighting perceived neglect and demanding presidential accountability. It appeals to a public sensitive to issues of security and equity. On the other hand, the APC’s counter-argument aims to establish Tinubu’s visit as personally motivated and unconnected with wider governance failures.
Given the timing—coming just after the funeral—the criticism risks being viewed as opportunistic. The effectiveness of either side’s messaging will likely depend on how Nigerians perceive balance between political gesture and policy substance.
What to Watch
- Whether Tinubu makes subsequent visits to violence-hit states to counter claims of selective attention.
- Official security updates and casualty figures for Plateau and other affected states.
- Responses from civil society groups—security, church, and victims’ associations—to both the visit and the criticism.
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