Atiku's Camp Calls for Tinubu's Resignation
The camp of the 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has failed to fulfil its primary responsibility of protecting lives and improving citizens' welfare. Atiku's media advisor and spokesman, Paul Ibe, said President Tinubu should step down from office for not meeting the expectations of Nigerians. He described stepping down as an act of responsibility rather than weakness.
Ibe's Interview and Reasoning
Speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Ibe stated: “It’s not a sign of weakness for a leader to resign. It’s a patriotic act. Let me tell you why President Tinubu needs to resign. The primary responsibility of the government is security and welfare. Are we more secure now than we were in 2023? The answer is no.” He dismissed claims that the government is making progress against insecurity, arguing that Tinubu’s administration’s efforts have fallen far short of expectations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Evidence of Failure
Atiku’s aide highlighted the continued captivity of scores of children and other victims across parts of the country as evidence that Tinubu’s government has failed to secure lives and restore public confidence. “Their best is just not good enough. I mean, we can’t continue on this journey of trial and error. The truth of the matter is that Tinubu is incompetent and he’s clueless. He came on board with no set skills. Nigeria is a very complex country, and to be able to govern this country, you need to be wired, you know, for that. He is not,” Ibe added.
State Policing and Political Motivations
Ibe claimed that the efforts to introduce state policing ahead of the 2027 elections are politically motivated. This criticism follows Atiku's earlier remarks where he blasted Tinubu's counterterrorism strategy for failing to adapt to evolving threats. Atiku emphasised the need for Nigeria to learn from past tragedies to combat rising terrorism effectively, expressing deep concern over persistent issues with banditry and kidnapping.
Oyo School Abduction
Previously, Atiku criticised the federal government's response to the Oyo school abduction and faulted the distribution of rice to affected families. He called for urgent rescue operations and prosecution of those behind the kidnapping incident, accusing the government of failing to protect citizens and citing worsening insecurity and rising fear nationwide.
