Atiku’s criticism of Tinubu’s Plateau visit stemmed from political envy, says Lagos APC

The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, over his remarks on President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Plateau.

Tinubu was in Jos on Saturday to attend the funeral of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, mother of Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the APC.

The former vice-president had criticised Tinubu for attending a “social event” in Plateau state amid worsening insecurity in the north-central region.

Abubakar said it was “deeply unfortunate” that Tinubu had never visited most of the states affected by violent attacks to commiserate with grieving citizens.

He described the development as “a sad reflection of priorities and a glaring mockery of leadership”, adding that, while families in Plateau “continue to bury their loved ones, Tinubu chose to grace a political funeral rather than stand with the people in their darkest hour”.

Reacting in a statement, Seye Oladejo, the APC’s publicity secretary in Lagos, said no amount of “reckless politicking or bad-faith commentary from yesterday’s men” could erase Tinubu’s record of commitment to national security and citizens’ welfare.

Oladejo said Tinubu’s dedication to the welfare and security of Nigerians remains firm and unwavering and described the president as a compassionate leader who empathises with Nigerians in times of sorrow and difficulty.

The APC spokesperson said Tinubu had demonstrated proactive leadership by strengthening security institutions, promoting intelligence-led operations, and deepening collaboration among security agencies.

“President Tinubu’s visit to Plateau was a show of compassion and solidarity — a mark of respect to a distinguished Nigerian family in grief and a reaffirmation of our shared humanity,” he said.

“Only a man blinded by political envy would seek to twist such a solemn event for cheap propaganda.

“Concrete results are being recorded nationwide, and Nigerians can attest to the steady return of peace in previously troubled zones.”

Oladejo asked Abubakar to “focus on enjoying his forced retirement” and to reflect on his missed opportunities to serve the nation, rather than attacking a leader “working tirelessly to rebuild what his party destroyed”.