Oshiomhole Blames Atiku for Nigeria’s Security Crisis, Defends Tinubu

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of presiding over the period when Nigeria’s current security challenges first emerged, while defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against criticism over insecurity.

Oshiomhole made the remarks during an appearance on The Mic On Podcast on Sunday, where he reacted to comments by opposition figures regarding the country’s worsening security situation.

The senator, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, criticised Atiku and other presidential contenders seeking to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 election, arguing that they have failed to present any fundamentally different strategy for tackling insecurity across the country.

According to Oshiomhole, some of the suggestions being advanced by opposition politicians, including visits to communities affected by violent attacks, do not amount to practical solutions capable of addressing the long-standing crisis.

“The last thing I heard from Atiku was that he would have visited Plateau or Benue. Is paying condolence visits all that we need to change the security issues?” Oshiomhole said.

He also rejected claims that President Tinubu has shown insufficient concern over the plight of victims of insecurity, insisting that public criticism of the president’s movements and official engagements does not address the root causes of the problem.

“They said Tinubu is not sensitive, given the mood of the nation. Do you believe that this is at the heart of insecurity? Insecurity started under Vice President Atiku Abubakar,” he stated.

Atiku served as vice president between 1999 and 2007 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The comments come amid increasing political exchanges between government supporters and opposition figures over the handling of security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnappings and communal violence affecting several parts of the country.

Opposition politicians have repeatedly criticised the Federal Government’s response to insecurity, while supporters of the administration maintain that the current challenges are rooted in issues that developed over many years.

The debate is expected to intensify as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections, with security likely to remain one of the dominant campaign issues nationwide.