The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for not publicly reacting to the release of the Oriire school pupils and their teachers nearly 18 hours after they regained their freedom.
The remarks were contained in a statement posted on Onanuga’s official page on July 11, 2026.
According to Onanuga, Atiku had repeatedly raised the abduction as a campaign issue during the 57 days the victims were in captivity but had yet to comment following their release.
Onanuga also commended Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi for acknowledging the victims’ freedom and calling for thanksgiving.
“Almost 18 hours after the Oriire pupils and their teachers regained their freedom, Atiku Abubakar has not deemed it fit to rejoice with the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies and the traumatised victims.”
“Previously, he weaponised the kidnap as a campaign issue several times since it happened 57 days ago.”
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“Now that the abductees are out, all is quiet on Atiku’s internet lane. No comment. No words of praise.”
“Maybe the veteran presidential runner is waiting for some bad news to attack the Tinubu administration.”
“Kudos to Peter Obi: at least he has spoken and called for thanksgiving without commending the commander-in-chief.”
