Atiku claimed that during a period when families of kidnapped victims continued to have restless nights, many Nigerians were greeted with pictures of political rallies, campaign-style activities, and the giving of cars to political cronies.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu have come under fire from former vice president Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, who accused the administration of showing “shocking insensitivity” while kidnapped schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State remain in captivity.

In a statement released on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 elections, expressed concern over the Nigerian government’s failure to secure the release of the students and teachers nearly three weeks after their kidnapping on May 15, 2026, while public officials continued to participate in political activities and festivities.

The former vice president claims that the government’s actions have given the impression that families whose children and relatives are still being abducted are unconcerned about their plight.

“At a time when parents are living through unimaginable anguish, the government appears more preoccupied with political engagements than with bringing those children home,” Atiku said.

He contends that demonstrating empathy during times of national crisis is a better indicator of leadership than holding public office.

Atiku specifically lambasted the First Lady, pointing out that she was intimately involved in many of the actions that have drawn criticism from the people.

Referring to the catchphrase that supporters frequently use to refer to Oluremi Tinubu as the “mother of the nation,” Atiku questioned how a mother could carry on with festivities and political activities while her children were still in captivity.

“A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing,” he said. “A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones.

“A true mother would use every platform available to keep the plight of those children at the forefront of national consciousness until they are safely reunited with their families.”

Atiku claimed that during a period when families of kidnapped victims continued to have restless nights, many Nigerians were greeted with pictures of political rallies, campaign-style activities, and the giving of cars to political cronies.

“Painful and deeply disturbing” was how he characterised the difference between the government officials’ actions and the anguish of the impacted families.

Despite growing insecurity and economic misery throughout the nation, Atiku also denounced what he called ostentatious shows of power and influence, such as widely reported convoys and political engagements.

He contends that symbolism is important in government, particularly at times of national sorrow.

“When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion,” he said.

“What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry. They do not expect campaign songs. They do not expect celebrations.

“They certainly do not expect luxury gifts being handed out to political loyalists while families are living through one of the darkest moments of their lives,” Atiku added.

The former vice president also bemoaned what he called the present administration’s normalisation of mass kidnappings, cautioning that a lack of urgency in reacting to such tragedies may give criminal organisations more confidence and increase public despondency.

In order to guarantee the quick release of the kidnapped students and instructors and to make sure that the perpetrators are caught and prosecuted, he urged the Nigerian government to use all security and intelligence resources at its disposal.

According to Atiku, leaders will be judged by their actions when innocent citizens were in danger rather than by political gatherings, support organisations, or presents given to loyalists.

“At a time like this, Nigerians do not need political choreography. They need leadership. They do not need celebrations,” he said.

“They need results. They do not need propaganda. They need the safe return of every abducted child and teacher.

“Until that happens, every display of political merriment is a painful reminder of a government that appears increasingly disconnected from the suffering of its own people,” he added.

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential contender and former governor of Anambra State, also voiced alarm about the nation’s growing acceptance of insecurity and frequent school kidnappings.

Obi compared the current wave of kidnappings to the international outcry that followed the 2014 kidnapping of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, in a statement released on Friday.