Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed accusations from the Presidency claiming he remained silent after the rescue of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State. Through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar asserted that he had already issued a public statement commending the security forces for their work.
Released on July 11, 2026, the statement characterized the Presidency’s claim as inaccurate. Shaibu noted that the administration likely either neglected to check available records or chose to disregard them. He suggested that such negligence points toward either laziness or a deliberate attempt to misinform.
Abubakar’s original message, titled A Nation at War Needs a Commander-in-Chief, Not a Campaigner-in-Chief, explicitly lauded the military’s courage and sacrifice. While the former Vice President acknowledged the success of the rescue operation, he criticized the President for focusing on political activities rather than leading national efforts during the crisis. The statement concluded by urging the government to prioritize national security and effective governance over attacking political opponents.
