Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been under fire from Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga for failing to provide a public statement following the release of the Oriire schoolchildren and teachers, even though it is already nearly 18 hours since they were freed.
The comments were made in a statement that was published on July 11, 2026, on Onanuga’s official page. While the victims were held captive for 57 days, Atiku brought up the kidnapping several times during his campaign, but he has not commented since they were released, according to Onanuga.
As for Peter Obi, a presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Onanuga applauded him for recognising the victims’ freedom and requesting thanksgiving.
“Atiku Abubakar still hasn’t thought it was appropriate to join the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies, and the traumatised victims in celebrating the Oriire pupils’ and teachers’ freedom, nearly 18 hours after they regained it.”
“Since the kidnapping occurred 57 days ago, he has weaponised it multiple times as a campaign issue.”
Everything is calm on Atiku’s internet lane now that the kidnappers have come forward. I will not comment. Not a single compliment.
In order to launch an attack on the Tinubu administration, perhaps the veteran presidential candidate is holding out for some unfavourable news.
Thanks be to God, Peter Obi has spoken out in support of Thanksgiving without praising the president.