Atiku to Tinubu: Protect Nigerians, not just your billboards

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the reported deployment of security operatives to guard his campaign billboards in Kaduna, accusing the Federal Government of misplaced priorities amid persistent insecurity across Nigeria.

‘The Historica Nigeria’ reports that Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the January 16, 2027, election, made the remarks in a social media post on Friday, following a Daily Trust report that security personnel had been assigned to protect Tinubu’s campaign posters and billboards ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off scheduled for Saturday, October 24, in Kaduna.

“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. Your posters enjoy protection that millions of Nigerians can only dream of,” Abubakar wrote.

He described the reported deployment as a troubling reflection of the Tinubu administration’s priorities, urging the president to demonstrate the same urgency in protecting citizens across the country.

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“Bola, please protect Nigerians with the same urgency you protect your image!” he added.

According to Daily Trust, personnel of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were among those reportedly deployed to guard Tinubu’s campaign billboards, particularly along major roads leading to the Kaduna Township Stadium, the venue of the planned rally.

The report quoted a security operative as saying that personnel had been directed to protect the campaign materials against vandalism, especially at night.

“We were assigned alongside KASTLEA marshals to protect Tinubu’s billboards and posters from being vandalised before the campaign rally. Our duty is mostly at night because that is when the youths can carry out such acts,” the operative reportedly said.

The source added that the assignment followed a circular directing some personnel to provide security for the campaign materials.

Tinubu is expected to attend Saturday’s campaign flag-off alongside APC leaders and governors.

Atiku Abubakar is among the major contenders expected to challenge Tinubu in the January 16, 2027, presidential election. Other anticipated contenders include former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).