Atiku Alleges ‘Political Games’, Questions Why Rescued Oyo Pupils Regained Freedom on APC 2027 Campaign Launch Day

• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the rescue of the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers but questioned the timing, noting they regained freedom on the same day the APC launched its 2027 presidential campaign.

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the rescue of the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, describing it as a major relief, while raising concerns over what he called the political undertone surrounding the development.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said it was “particularly striking and shocking” that the victims regained their freedom on the same day the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) launched its door-to-door campaign for the 2027 presidential election.

While commending the Nigerian military and security agencies for the successful rescue, Atiku criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of focusing on re-election politics while the abducted pupils and teachers remained in captivity for weeks.

According to him, the Federal Government should have prioritised rescuing the victims before embarking on political campaigns.

“The rescue of innocent schoolchildren from the hands of terrorists is a victory for our gallant troops and a source of hope for every Nigerian family. They deserve the gratitude of the nation,” Atiku said.

He added, “No serious government should be consumed by the politics of re-election while innocent schoolchildren have remained in the custody of kidnappers for weeks. The first campaign of any responsible administration must be the campaign to rescue its citizens, restore security and reassure anxious families. Politics can wait; the lives of innocent children cannot. Yesterday should have been dedicated to the war room, not the campaign room.”

The former vice president also stressed that the office of the President carries both constitutional and moral responsibilities, especially during periods of national crisis.

“The commander-in-chief is more than a constitutional title; it is a moral responsibility. In moments of national triumph and national grief, Nigerians expect to see their president embody that office. Leadership is not exercised only behind closed doors; it must also be seen, heard and felt by both the citizens and those who threaten them,” he stated.