Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, describing it as a “political spectacle” rather than a genuine attempt to confront the state’s deepening security crisis or console victims of violent attacks.
In an exclusive interview with Vanguard on Thursday, Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, lambasted the Tinubu administration for what he called a performance-driven approach to governance, accusing it of prioritising optics over effective action.
“It’s commendable when a leader empathises with the people—offering a shoulder to lean on is a mark of true leadership,” Ibe said. “But the visit was marred by political theatrics. Children were lined up on the highway, waving at the president in the rain; subjecting them to such conditions was unnecessary.”
He added that while more than 200 lives were lost in recent attacks across Benue communities, no arrests have been made, raising serious concerns about the capacity and will of the government to secure citizens.
“The same security agencies that failed to prevent or investigate this tragedy were quick to tear gas peaceful protesters demanding safety. This is unacceptable,” Ibe said.
‘Garbage In, Garbage Out’
Atiku’s camp also blasted what it described as the administration’s “fundamental misdiagnosis” of the security challenges, attributing ongoing failures to misplaced priorities and the politicisation of key national roles.
“When you misdiagnose a problem, the solution will inevitably be flawed—garbage in, garbage out,” Ibe remarked.
“Look at the individuals heading the security portfolios: they’re politicians, not experts. They’re focused on political gains rather than national security.”
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He said the crisis of governance extends beyond security, citing a lack of inclusiveness as a major contributor to rising instability across the country.
“Inclusiveness is a tool for national unity. When you dismiss or alienate regions, religions, or ethnic groups, chaos is inevitable,” he said.
Focus Already on 2027
Ibe further accused President Tinubu’s team of being preoccupied with the 2027 general elections, instead of focusing on the urgent economic and security issues Nigerians face.
“The government’s obsession with 2027 has come at the expense of governance. People are dying, inflation is soaring, yet the focus is on power retention,” he said.
President Tinubu had visited Benue earlier this week following the gruesome Yelewata massacre, where coordinated attacks by suspected herders left dozens dead. While the visit included stops at hospitals and IDP camps, critics argue that the optics overshadowed the substance.
So far, the presidency has not officially responded to Atiku’s remarks, though sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) describe the opposition leader’s comments as “disingenuous and politically motivated.”
The war of words underscores the growing tension between the country’s two major political camps, as insecurity, economic strain, and public discontent continue to dominate Nigeria’s national discourse.