Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency—not on any region of the country, but on his own administration.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, Atiku blasted the President for abandoning the country during a time of deep national crisis, describing his ongoing trip to France as a “vacation disguised as a working visit.”
According to Atiku, the nation is sliding into total collapse while Tinubu continues to accumulate days abroad. “By the time he returns, Tinubu would have spent 59 days in France since assuming office,” the statement noted.
The former VP pointed to the escalating insecurity in Plateau and Benue states, where dozens have been killed in recent attacks, as evidence that Nigeria is in a “full-blown state of emergency.”
“Nigerians are not fools,” Atiku stated. “While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in Paris, his country is on fire. Plateau has become a killing field, Benue is bleeding, and Boko Haram is regaining ground.”
He accused Tinubu of failing in his constitutional duty to protect the lives and welfare of Nigerians. “This is not just bad governance; it’s a complete abandonment of leadership,” the statement added.
Atiku also criticized the lack of transparency in Tinubu’s foreign trips, arguing that whatever work the President claims to be doing in France could easily be handled within Nigeria.
“This isn’t a medical trip, yet the presidency can’t clearly define what the President is doing abroad. Nigerians are left in the dark while their country falls apart,” he added.
Atiku concluded by challenging Tinubu to face the reality of his leadership failures. “It’s time to declare a state of emergency—not on Rivers or any state, but on your presidency. Nigeria deserves better.”