Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu, calling on him to declare a state of emergency over what he described as a “disastrous presidency.”
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku lambasted Tinubu for embarking on a “so-called working visit” to France while Nigeria reels under violence, insecurity, and economic hardship. He described the trip as an “insult” to Nigerians and accused Tinubu of abandoning the country at a time of national crisis.
“At a time when Plateau State has become a killing field and Benue is bleeding, President Tinubu is vacationing in France under the guise of a working visit,” the statement read. “This is no April Fool’s joke — it’s a mockery of leadership.”
Atiku pointed out that Tinubu has now spent a total of 59 days in France since assuming office, questioning the rationale behind frequent foreign trips when the nation is grappling with grave insecurity and a worsening economy.
“While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos,” he said.
“Over 100 lives have been lost in recent attacks in Plateau alone. Boko Haram is regaining ground, poverty is deepening, and hope is vanishing. Yet, the president finds time for another European escapade.”
He criticized the government’s attempt to clarify that the trip was not for medical reasons, saying Nigerians are not fooled by the official narrative.
“This isn’t just negligence,” Atiku said. “It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale. If Tinubu had a shred of empathy, he would have cut his trip short and returned home. A president who genuinely cares wouldn’t have to be begged to show up during a national emergency.”
The former VP went further, accusing Tinubu of using Rivers State’s political crisis to declare an emergency for partisan gain while ignoring the broader collapse unfolding across the country.
“Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency. This is not a contrived political emergency. This is real — a national collapse,” the statement concluded. “So when will Tinubu declare a state of emergency on his own disastrous presidency?”
The presidency has yet to officially respond to Atiku’s comments.