The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to either seek assistance or step down. The party cited recent attacks and school abductions in northern Nigeria. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, highlighted the kidnapping of students in Kebbi and Niger States, as well as worshippers in Kwara. He said these incidents show the government’s inability to manage the worsening security crisis.
Government Criticized for Lack of Leadership
Ememobong stressed that protecting lives and property is the foremost duty of any government. Therefore, he argued that failure to fulfill this responsibility demands either external support or an honorable resignation.
“We remind President Bola Tinubu and the APC-led administration that security is the primary role of government. If the government cannot execute this, it must ask for help or resign,” he said.
School Closures Deemed Counterproductive
The PDP also criticized the decision by some state governments and the federal government to close schools. They warned that such measures may empower terrorists. Moreover, the party said the presidency has not provided a coordinated response despite multiple kidnappings in less than a week. They described the government’s reaction as slow, politically motivated, and lacking empathy.
Calls for Presidential Presence
Ememobong faulted the delegation of crisis management to the Minister of State for Defence. He said President Tinubu should personally visit affected areas. Meanwhile, he added that direct presidential engagement could reassure families and motivate security personnel on the ground.
Education and Humanitarian Concerns
The PDP spokesperson argued that prolonged school closures would worsen the education deficit in the North. UNICEF estimates that most of Nigeria’s 18.3 million out-of-school children live there. Consequently, the party urged immediate and effective measures to protect students while restoring public confidence in security agencies.
