Atiku criticises Tinubu’s Plateau visit over insecurity concerns; Plateau APC responds, saying he lacks the standing to speak for the state’s people
Atiku criticises Tinubu’s Plateau visit, accusing the President of political insensitivity amidst ongoing insecurity in the region.
Also read: Obidients clarify Atiku comments amid delegate bribery row
But the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the criticism, calling it “uninformed and politically motivated.”
In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s acting publicity secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, the APC said former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had no moral or political standing to speak for the people of Plateau State.
Atiku had earlier condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s weekend visit to Jos to attend the funeral of Mama Lydia, mother of the APC national chairman.
In a strongly worded statement, Atiku described the visit as a “mockery of leadership,” saying Tinubu had ignored the persistent killings and displacement across the state.
“The President should have gone to commiserate with victims of violence, not attend ceremonies,” Atiku had said.
In response, the Plateau APC accused Atiku of seeking political relevance at the expense of a humanitarian crisis. It argued that security is a shared responsibility, and the President has consistently supported state-level efforts to restore peace.
“Alhaji Atiku lacks the locus standi to complain on behalf of Plateau people,” the statement read. “His comments are in bad faith and out of touch with the reality on the ground.”
The party also noted that Governor Caleb Mutfwang, a member of Atiku’s own party, the PDP, had publicly acknowledged federal support for local security efforts.
It added that the warm reception Tinubu received in Jos reflected the people’s appreciation of the President’s role.
“As Commander-in-Chief, the President provides strategic direction and logistical support to security forces. State governors, including Governor Mutfwang, hold constitutional responsibilities as well.”
The party urged critics to focus on “practical solutions” to the security crisis rather than ceremonial optics.
“What the Plateau people want is more military presence and equipment — not political grandstanding.”
Also read: Atiku Abubakar Denies 2027 Candidacy Withdrawal Rumour
While conceding that debate on security approaches is valid, the APC maintained that Atiku’s remarks were poorly timed and unhelpful.
