Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly criticised President Bola Tinubu over reported security arrangements around his campaign billboards in Kaduna State ahead of Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign launch.
Atiku accused the president of prioritising the protection of his image while Nigerians continue to face attacks by bandits and terrorists.
The former vice president made the remarks in a post on his X account on Friday.
“Bola, you claim Nigerians love you, yet your billboards in Kaduna require security guards. Bandits raid villages, terrorists attack communities, and families live in fear.
“Your posters enjoy protection that millions of Nigerians can only dream of,” he wrote.
“What a tragic statement of your government’s priorities. Bola, please protect Nigerians with the same urgency you protect your image!” he added.
Tinubu is expected to attend the inaugural APC presidential campaign rally in Kaduna on Saturday, October 24, alongside other top government officials.
Ahead of the visit, the Kaduna State Police Command announced restrictions on trailers, tankers, lorries and other heavy-duty vehicles in Kaduna metropolis from midnight until 8pm on Saturday.
The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, said the restriction followed consultations between the state security committee and transport unions and was intended to ease traffic congestion and ensure smooth movement during the presidential visit.
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Rabiu said the police, military, Department of State Services and other security agencies had put security arrangements in place, including the deployment of tactical teams, explosive ordnance disposal units, traffic officers and crowd-control personnel.
He also warned political parties and their supporters against thuggery, violence, intimidation and the possession of dangerous weapons, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful campaign rally.
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