Opposition Leaders Accuse Tinubu of Failing to Protect Nigerians
Presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar accused President Bola Tinubu of complicity and failure amid rising deaths and mass displacement across Nigeria.
Opposition leaders Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of failing to protect citizens during a deepening security and economic crisis. Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress candidate, cited data from the Centre for Democracy and Development showing 638 insecurity-related deaths in October alone, with 409 occurring in the North-East. He further noted United Nations reports that nearly 64,000 Nigerians have fled to Niger since the start of 2026 to escape violence.
During a town hall meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, claimed the government is "complicit" in the nation's terrorism, kidnappings, and poverty. He highlighted that over 60 percent of the population lives in poverty and criticized security agencies for their inability to track kidnappers via mobile phones. Accompanied by running mate Rabiu Kwankwaso, Obi visited the Yelewata community to commiserate with residents following a 2025 massacre that killed 271 people.
Looking toward the 2027 election, Obi pledged to transform Nigeria from a consumption-driven to a production-based economy. His proposed platform includes introducing free and compulsory education and creating youth employment through entrepreneurship and agriculture. He also committed to initiating new development projects in Benue State, citing a lack of existing federal government investment in the region.
