Atiku’s comments on Tinubu’s Plateau visit ‘politically motivated’ — APC

Following former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Plateau State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back, calling Atiku’s comments “politically motivated” and “uninformed.”¹

Atiku’s Criticism

In a statement, Atiku condemned President Tinubu for visiting Plateau to attend the funeral of the mother of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, while the state and other parts of the North-Central region continue to suffer from widespread insecurity.² Atiku described the visit as a “sad reflection of priorities and a glaring mockery of leadership,” arguing that the President chose to “grace a political funeral rather than stand with the people in their darkest hour.”³ He also noted that Tinubu had not visited other states affected by violence to commiserate with grieving citizens.⁴

The APC’s Response

The APC, both at the national and state levels, has staunchly defended President Tinubu.⁵ Key points of their response include:

• Lagos and Plateau APC: The Lagos and Plateau State chapters of the APC dismissed Atiku’s comments, with the Lagos State spokesman, Seye Oladejo, stating that “only a person blinded by political bitterness would seek to twist such a solemn event for propaganda purposes.”⁶ The Plateau APC acting publicity secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, also argued that Atiku “lacks the locus standi to complain on behalf of the people of the State.”⁷
• A Visit of Compassion and Solidarity: The APC framed Tinubu’s visit not as a political event but as an act of compassion and solidarity with a grieving family and the people of Plateau State.⁸
• Government’s Efforts: The party pointed to the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to address insecurity, including providing logistical support and giving “marching orders” to security agencies.⁹ They cited Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s public acknowledgment of the federal government’s support for security operations as evidence that Tinubu is not neglecting his duties.¹⁰
• Making “Political Capital” of Tragedy: Both the Lagos and Plateau APC accused Atiku of trying to make “political capital” out of a sensitive situation and politicizing a private event.¹¹
• Atiku’s Record: The Lagos APC’s statement also took a jab at Atiku’s political past, suggesting that the current insecurity had roots in the “failures” of the government under which he served as Vice President.

In conclusion, while Atiku Abubakar’s comments have fueled the ongoing debate about the government’s handling of insecurity, the APC has dismissed them as politically motivated and an attempt to mislead the public, using the opportunity to defend President Tinubu’s actions and highlight his administration’s security initiatives.¹²