Atiku slams Tinubu Plateau visit

Atiku slams Tinubu Plateau visit

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu over his recent trip to Plateau State, accusing him of going there to “make merry” with political elites rather than commiserate with victims of insecurity ravaging parts of the country.

Atiku’s rebuke came in a statement posted on his official social media channel. He argued that in a time when “large swathes of the country” remain under the siege of violence and many innocent lives are being lost, the president should have prioritised comforting grieving families in affected communities. Instead, Atiku said, Tinubu’s presence in Plateau was directed toward a social event linked to the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman.

He described this choice as “a sad reflection of priorities and a glaring mockery of leadership,” emphasising that the families of victims in Plateau “continue to bury their loved ones” while the president attended a funeral. According to Atiku, this act signalled disregard for empathy, compassion, and the dignity of human life.

Atiku also pointed out that other North Central states—such as Benue, Niger, and Kwara—have endured waves of violence without any meaningful presidential visit to console affected communities. He recalled that during Tinubu’s trip to Benue in June, the president allegedly avoided the epicentre of a massacre (Yelewata), opting instead to conclude his visit in Makurdi.

In Atiku’s words, “this is a president who would rather feast than feel—a leader who finds pleasure where the people find pain.” He warned that the public is paying attention and will remember such decisions.