Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over reports that security operatives were deployed to protect his campaign billboards in Kaduna State, questioning the government’s priorities amid persistent insecurity across Nigeria.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks on Friday, October 23, 2026, in a post on social media ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for Saturday in Kaduna.
In a pointed message directed at Tinubu, Atiku questioned why the President’s campaign materials reportedly required security guards while communities across the country continued to face attacks by bandits and terrorists.
“Bola, you claim Nigerians love you, yet your billboards in Kaduna require security guards. Bandits raid villages, terrorists attack communities, and families live in fear,” Atiku wrote.
He continued: “Your posters enjoy protection that millions of Nigerians can only dream of. What a tragic statement of your government’s priorities. Bola, please protect Nigerians with the same urgency you protect your image!”
The former vice president’s comments followed reports that security personnel had been stationed around campaign billboards and posters in parts of Kaduna ahead of Tinubu’s expected visit to the state for the APC campaign event.
Reports identified personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) among those deployed around strategic locations where campaign materials had been displayed.
The reported security arrangements prompted debate over whether the personnel were specifically assigned to protect the billboards or were part of broader security preparations ahead of the President’s visit.
The Kaduna State Government pushed back against claims that security operatives had been deployed solely to guard Tinubu’s campaign materials. Abdullah Yunus Abdullah, a senior aide to Governor Uba Sani, said security personnel were routinely deployed to strategic locations and potential flashpoints when high-profile visitors were expected.
He argued that such arrangements were not unique to Tinubu’s visit and maintained that security deployment around key locations was standard practice during major visits.
Atiku’s criticism comes as insecurity remains a major concern in several parts of Nigeria, where communities have suffered attacks, kidnappings and killings by armed groups. The issue has continued to generate pressure on the Federal Government to strengthen security operations and improve protection for vulnerable communities.
The Kaduna campaign event is part of the APC’s preparations for the 2027 general election. Tinubu’s expected appearance has also brought renewed attention to the political contest and the security arrangements surrounding major campaign activities.
Atiku’s remarks have framed the billboard security issue as a question of priorities, arguing that the protection provided to political campaign materials should be matched by greater urgency in safeguarding citizens.
The Presidency’s response to Atiku’s specific criticism was not included in the reports available at the time of publication.
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