Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over reports that security operatives are protecting his campaign billboards in Kaduna State, questioning the government’s priorities as Nigerians continue to face insecurity.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accused Tinubu of appearing more concerned about safeguarding his campaign image than addressing the threats confronting residents in communities affected by attacks from bandits and terrorists.
The former vice president made the criticism in a post on his X account on Friday, following reports that armed security personnel had been deployed to protect the president’s campaign posters and billboards ahead of a planned campaign launch in Kaduna.
In his reaction, Atiku questioned why political campaign materials reportedly required security protection while many Nigerians continued to live under the threat of violence.
“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,” Atiku wrote.
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He argued that the reported security arrangement presented a troubling contrast between the protection afforded to the president’s campaign materials and the security challenges confronting ordinary citizens.
“Your posters enjoy protection that millions of Nigerians can only dream of. What a tragic statement of your government’s priorities,” he added.
Atiku further challenged Tinubu to demonstrate the same level of urgency in protecting citizens that he allegedly applies to securing his public image.
“Bola, please protect Nigerians with the same urgency you protect your image!” he said.
