In a scathing critique, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has lambasted President Bola Tinubu for what he describes as a profound lack of empathy and leadership in addressing the ongoing insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s North Central region. Atiku’s remarks, delivered in a statement issued on Saturday, October 4, 2025, center on Tinubu’s recent visit to Plateau State, where the President attended a funeral ceremony hosted under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman. According to Atiku, this visit starkly contrasts with Tinubu’s apparent refusal to engage with the thousands of Nigerians mourning loved ones lost to relentless violence in the region. The former Vice President’s statement paints a grim picture of a government disconnected from the pain of its citizens, prioritizing political engagements over genuine compassion for those affected by insecurity.
Atiku’s statement highlights the ongoing crisis in the North Central region, where states like Plateau, Benue, Niger, and Kwara have been battered by waves of violence, resulting in the loss of countless innocent lives. He argues that the President’s decision to attend a social event in Plateau, rather than visiting communities devastated by insecurity, reflects a troubling misplacement of priorities. “With large swathes of the country still under siege from unrelenting insecurity and thousands of innocent lives lost, it is deeply unfortunate that President Bola Tinubu has not, for once, found it worthy to visit any of the affected states to commiserate with the grieving citizens,” the statement reads. Atiku goes further, describing Tinubu’s presence at the funeral as a “political funeral” and a “glaring mockery of leadership,” particularly when juxtaposed against the backdrop of families in Plateau burying their loved ones.
The former Vice President’s critique is not merely an attack on Tinubu’s itinerary but a broader condemnation of what he perceives as the APC-led government’s failure to demonstrate empathy and solidarity with victims of violence. Atiku points out that Tinubu’s visit to Plateau was not to console the bereaved or offer reassurance to communities reeling from terror but to “celebrate and make merry” with party elites. This, he argues, sends a clear and disheartening message: the President prioritizes political camaraderie over the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. “The message could not be clearer: this is a President who would rather feast than feel — a leader who finds pleasure where the people find pain,” Atiku’s statement asserts.
Atiku also draws attention to Tinubu’s broader track record in addressing insecurity in the North Central region, noting that the President has consistently failed to visit the epicenters of violence. For instance, he references Tinubu’s symbolic visit to Benue State in June, during which the President did not set foot in Yelewata, a community devastated by a massacre. This pattern, Atiku argues, underscores a troubling detachment from the realities faced by Nigerians in the region. “From Benue to Niger and most recently Kwara, the entire North Central region has endured some of the most horrific waves of violence in recent history. Yet, not once has the APC-led government deemed it necessary to physically stand by the victims or console their families,” the statement reads.
The former Vice President’s remarks also carry a political undertone, as he warns that Nigerians are closely observing the actions of the APC government. “Nigerians were watching closely and would remember the actions of the APC government when it mattered most,” Atiku declared, suggesting that the government’s perceived indifference could have electoral consequences. This statement serves as a call to accountability, urging citizens to hold leaders responsible for their priorities and actions, particularly in times of crisis.
Atiku’s critique extends beyond Tinubu to the broader leadership of the APC, particularly implicating the party’s National Chairman in what he describes as a “heartless exhibition of disregard for empathy, compassion, and the dignity of human life.” By framing the funeral event as a political spectacle, Atiku underscores the disconnect between the ruling party’s leadership and the Nigerian people. He argues that the President’s decision to attend a ceremonial event while ignoring the ongoing suffering in Plateau and other parts of the North Central region exemplifies a leadership style that prioritizes optics over substance.
The insecurity in Nigeria’s North Central region, which Atiku references, is a complex and multifaceted issue. The region has been plagued by a combination of banditry, communal clashes, and terrorist activities, leading to widespread displacement, loss of life, and economic disruption. In Plateau State, for instance, recurring conflicts between farmers and herders, as well as attacks by armed groups, have left communities in a state of perpetual fear and grief. Similarly, Benue State has been a hotspot for violence, with entire villages decimated by attacks. The recent spillover of violence into Kwara and Niger states has further exacerbated the crisis, stretching the resources and resilience of affected communities.
Atiku’s statement also implicitly critiques the federal government’s broader approach to addressing insecurity. While Tinubu’s administration has made public commitments to tackling the country’s security challenges, critics argue that these efforts have been insufficient, particularly in terms of direct engagement with affected communities. The absence of high-level visits to the epicenters of violence, as Atiku notes, has fueled perceptions of a government that is out of touch with the realities on the ground. For many Nigerians, the President’s physical presence in affected areas would serve as a powerful symbol of solidarity and a commitment to addressing their plight.
Moreover, Atiku’s remarks touch on the emotional and psychological toll of the government’s perceived inaction. For communities grappling with loss, the absence of empathy from the nation’s highest office can deepen feelings of abandonment and despair. By choosing to attend a political event over engaging with grieving families, Tinubu risks reinforcing the narrative that his administration is more concerned with maintaining power than addressing the human cost of insecurity.
The former Vice President’s statement also raises questions about the role of leadership in times of crisis. Effective leadership, particularly in the context of widespread insecurity, requires not only strategic interventions but also a visible demonstration of compassion and solidarity. Atiku’s critique suggests that Tinubu’s failure to visit affected communities undermines his credibility as a leader who understands and prioritizes the needs of his people.
In conclusion, Atiku Abubakar’s statement is a powerful indictment of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in the context of the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria’s North Central region. By highlighting the President’s decision to attend a political event in Plateau State while ignoring the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, Atiku paints a picture of a government that is disconnected from the pain of its citizens. His remarks underscore the importance of empathy, compassion, and visible leadership in addressing national crises, while also serving as a call to action for Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, the actions—or inaction—of its leaders will undoubtedly shape public perceptions and the broader trajectory of the nation.
