President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for failing to react to the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, accusing him of exploiting the kidnapping for political gain.
Onanuga, in a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, July 11, 2026, said Atiku had remained silent nearly 18 hours after the victims regained their freedom despite previously using the incident to criticise the Tinubu administration.
According to him, the former Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate repeatedly turned the abduction into a campaign issue during the 57 days the victims were held captive but has yet to acknowledge their rescue or commend the security agencies involved in the operation.
“Almost 18 hours after the Oriire pupils and their teachers regained their freedom, Atiku Abubakar has not deemed it fit to rejoice with the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies and the traumatised victims,” Onanuga wrote.
He added, “Previously, he weaponised the kidnap as a campaign issue several times since it happened 57 days ago.”
The presidential spokesman questioned Atiku’s silence following the successful rescue, suggesting that the former vice president was more interested in criticising the government than acknowledging its successes.
“Now that the abductees are out, all is quiet on Atiku’s internet lane. No comment. No words of praise. Maybe the veteran presidential runner is waiting for some bad news to attack the Tinubu administration,” he stated.
Onanuga, however, commended Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi for reacting to the development, even though he did not praise President Tinubu or the Federal Government.
“Kudos to Peter Obi: at least he has spoken and called for thanksgiving without commending the commander-in-chief,” Onanuga added.
The rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers was announced by the Nigerian Army on Friday after a month-long joint security operation involving multiple security agencies. According to the military, the victims were released unconditionally following sustained pressure on the kidnappers’ network.
