Atiku Abubakar Slams Tinubu Over 'Airport-Only' Visit to Plateau State
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced profound concern regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent trip to Plateau State, labeling it a troubling sign of a deepening disconnect from the anguish of Nigerians. In a statement acquired by The Guardian on Thursday, Atiku suggested that recent occurrences in Plateau State have once again revealed what he termed an unacceptable response to national tragedy.
Shocking and Insensitive Approach
Atiku emphasized that it was both shocking and insensitive that, several days after the brutal killings of innocent citizens, the President's so-called 'on-the-spot assessment' amounted to nothing more than a fleeting stop at the foot of his aircraft. He noted that the visit never extended beyond the airport, nor did it reach the grieving communities directly affected by the violence.
He further expressed worry over the impression that the visit was hastily abbreviated to allow the President to proceed to Lagos for the Easter holidays. Atiku argued that this decision reflects questionable priorities amidst national grief, as families continue to mourn victims of the Palm Sunday killings.
Political Engagement Over Solemn Condolence
Atiku alleged that the President transformed what should have been a solemn condolence visit into a political engagement, meeting party loyalists in Jos under the guise of official duty. 'This is not leadership; it is indifference presented as protocol,' he declared. He also drew comparisons with a prior visit to Benue State in June 2025, where a condolence trip following a deadly attack reportedly avoided the epicenter in Yelwata and instead evolved into a political gathering.
He contended that the recurrence of such actions indicates a consistent pattern rather than isolated incidents, raising alarms about the administration's approach to security crises.
Lack of Tangible Action and Empathy
In Plateau, Atiku observed that the President neither visited bereaved families nor those receiving treatment in hospitals. He added that there was no clear policy direction, no decisive security intervention, and no strong reassurance to prevent future occurrences. Instead, the visit remained confined to the airport, involving interactions with politicians, traditional rulers, and party stakeholders—far removed from the harsh realities faced by affected communities.
He further criticized the reported movement of grieving residents from parts of Jos to the airport in Heipang, near Barkin Ladi, describing it as an attempt to stage a managed appearance. According to him, such actions reduce genuine human tragedy to mere optics, prioritizing image over empathy and dignity.
Concerns Over Security Commitment
Atiku stated that the situation raises serious concerns about the administration's commitment to addressing the worsening security challenges across Nigeria. 'A leader who cannot stand with his people in their darkest moments cannot convincingly claim to be fighting for their safety,' he asserted. He reiterated that Nigerians are not asking for symbolic visits or public displays of sympathy, but for tangible action that guarantees the protection of lives and property.
According to him, citizens do not need to see the President—they need to feel the impact of effective leadership. Atiku concluded that until the administration moves beyond optics and embraces decisive, people-centered policies, such visits will remain disconnected from the realities of the citizens they are meant to serve.
