Ex-APC Leader Slams Tinubu's UK Trip After Deadly Maiduguri Bombings Kill 23
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces mounting criticism over his planned state visit to the United Kingdom, which comes immediately after devastating bomb explosions rocked Maiduguri, Borno State. The attacks, which occurred on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, resulted in the tragic deaths of 23 individuals and left more than 100 others injured, casting a shadow over the nation's security situation.
Frank's Scathing Condemnation of Presidential Priorities
Comrade Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has issued a strongly worded statement labeling Tinubu's UK trip as "callous, indefensible, and morally bankrupt." Frank described the multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri as "a tragic, blood-soaked verdict on a failing security architecture" and questioned the President's decision to proceed with international travel during a national crisis.
"Yet the President is preparing for a ceremonial outing in the UK. That is not leadership; that is abdication of responsibility," Frank declared in his statement made available to journalists. He demanded the immediate cancellation of the UK visit, insisting that any departure from Nigeria at such a moment would amount to "a cruel abandonment of grieving citizens."
Leadership Expectations During National Tragedy
Frank emphasized what he believes should be the proper response from a national leader during times of crisis. "No responsible leader boards a plane to wine, dine, and dance when his country is burying its dead," he stated. "A President with empathy goes to Maiduguri, not London. He stands with victims, not with banquet hosts."
The former APC chieftain also criticized the British government for extending the invitation, accusing them of "staggering hypocrisy and moral blindness" given their awareness of Nigeria's security challenges. Frank argued that the UK is fully cognizant of Nigeria's escalating insecurity, mass unemployment, and catastrophic electricity crisis that has crippled industries across the nation.
Political Implications and Governance Concerns
According to Frank, the timing of the UK visit sends "a dangerous and insulting signal" that governance failures can be overlooked for ceremonial photo opportunities. He challenged the UK government to provide ten reasons justifying this honor at such a critical time for Nigeria.
Frank suggested that to many Nigerians, this invitation appears to be a subtle endorsement of a second term for Tinubu, despite widespread concerns about governance and questions surrounding the credibility of the last election. His criticism highlights growing public dissatisfaction with the administration's handling of security matters and perceived priorities.
Official Response and Security Measures
In response to the Maiduguri attacks, President Tinubu has reportedly taken two key actions:
- Ordered security chiefs to respond decisively to Boko Haram's attack in Maiduguri
- Directed emergency agencies to assist and care for the injured victims
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga shared these details about the administration's response to the multiple bomb explosions that targeted key locations across Maiduguri.
Political Figures React to Security Crisis
The bombings have drawn reactions from various political figures across Nigeria:
- Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attacks as "barbaric and inhumane"
- Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso expressed concern over a resurgence of terrorism and called for decisive action against insurgents
- Defense authorities confirmed multiple blasts across key locations, noting that casualty figures remained unclear due to ongoing rescue operations
The controversy surrounding Tinubu's UK trip continues to unfold as Nigeria grapples with both immediate security challenges and broader questions about leadership priorities during times of national crisis.
