The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately request assistance, locally or internationally, or step aside, as Nigeria reels from a resurgence of violent attacks and mass kidnappings targeting school children and worshipers in several northern states.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong said the recent abductions in Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara highlight the Tinubu administration’s “continued inability to confront a rapidly deteriorating security situation.” He maintained that the federal government has fallen short of its constitutional duty to safeguard citizens.
“We again remind the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the entire APC-led administration that the security of lives and property is the primary function of any government,” he said.
“At any time, government is unwilling, unable, or incapable of executing this primary role, such a government must either ask for help (locally or internationally) or honourably resign, if it is sincere and responsible.”
Ememobong criticised both federal and state authorities for shutting down schools in reaction to threats, arguing that such actions amount to handing victory to violent groups. He stated that the PDP is deeply troubled that the presidency has yet to present a coordinated security strategy, despite the alarming wave of kidnappings recorded within days.
He described the government’s attitude as slow, disconnected, and overly political, insisting that the presidency had not demonstrated empathy toward traumatised families. The spokesman also faulted President Tinubu for deploying the Minister of State for Defence to Kebbi instead of personally visiting the affected communities.
“More troubling is the fact that when these unfortunate incidents happen, the administration’s response is usually lacklustre and unempathetic.
“Instead of the President visiting Kebbi and Niger States to meet and sympathise with the parents of the children who are in captivity, and to address the security personnel there, he merely directed the Minister of State for Defence to relocate to Kebbi,” he said.
The PDP warned that shutting down schools will worsen Nigeria’s already severe education gap, particularly in the northern region where, according to UNICEF, the majority of the country’s 18.3 million out-of-school children are located.
What You Should Know
This article centres on the PDP’s strong criticism of President Bola Tinubu over the recent surge in kidnappings in northern Nigeria.
The party argues that the administration has failed in its core duty to protect citizens and accuses the presidency of responding weakly and slowly to security crises. The PDP also condemns school closures, warning that they empower terrorists and deepen the North’s education challenges.
The party’s position reflects rising political pressure on the federal government as attacks on schools and places of worship intensify, raising questions about national security coordination and leadership accountability.
