Tinubu, wife celebrating while kidnapped schoolchildren remain in captivity – Atiku

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu of prioritizing political events over efforts to recover the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State.

The allegation was made through a statement issued by Atiku’s spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, on Friday.

The abduction of Oyo school pupils and teachers on 15 May 2026 has drawn widespread condemnation and protests demanding the safe return of the victims.

Atiku expressed concern that, while the nation awaits the abductees’ release, the federal government appears more focused on political activities.

He voiced disappointment that many of the events that have sparked public outrage were personally organized by the First Lady.

“A true mother does not celebrate while her children are missing. A true mother does not preside over political festivities while families are trapped in agony, praying daily for the safe return of their loved ones,” he said.

“A true mother would use every platform available to keep the plight of those children at the forefront of national consciousness until they are safely reunited with their families,” Atiku added.

“When children are missing, the nation expects urgency. When teachers are abducted, the nation expects compassion. What Nigerians do not expect is political pageantry. They do not expect campaign songs. They do not expect celebrations. They certainly do not expect luxury gifts being handed out to political loyalists while families are living through one of the darkest moments of their lives,” he concluded.