The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Tinubu for cancelling his planned visits to South Africa and Angola, describing the decision as mere tokenism rather than a genuine effort to address the worsening security crisis in northern Nigeria.
According to the PDP, the cancellation appears to be a symbolic reaction to the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, rather than a meaningful step toward tackling insecurity.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, cautioned Nigerians against interpreting the president’s schedule change as a sign of real commitment or empathy.
“The announcement of President Bola Tinubu’s cancelled trips to South Africa and Angola is the latest and most glaring example of tokenism.
“Although the decision may seem like an expression of concern for the kidnapped Maga schoolgirls and the growing insecurity nationwide—especially in the North—it remains only a perfunctory gesture,” the statement read.
The PDP challenged the presidency to prove otherwise by urging President Tinubu to temporarily relocate to Kebbi State and other conflict-affected areas in the North. Such a move, the party argued, would pressure security agencies to act more decisively and boost troop morale.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu cannot remain in the comfort of the Presidential Villa while 25 schoolgirls are missing. He must show true leadership by being physically present in the affected areas,” the party stated.
The PDP also cited the recent attack on a church in Kwara State to argue that the president’s response to security incidents has been inconsistent and insufficient.
“Insecurity and fear have become the daily reality for Nigerians everywhere. Yet the APC-led government continues to offer denials, excuses, empty assurances, and superficial gestures such as travel cancellations,” Ememobong said.
He added that without concrete and strategic action, the cancelled trip will amount to nothing more than a media spectacle aimed at winning public sympathy, rather than tackling the urgent task of protecting lives and property.
The PDP stressed that Nigerians are tired of symbolic gestures and want decisive leadership, real security reforms, and stronger support for frontline personnel—not actions designed to score political points.
The criticism follows the November 17, 2025 attack in Kebbi State, where armed bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, killing the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and kidnapping 25 students. Some of the girls have reportedly escaped, while security agencies continue search-and-rescue operations.
In a separate incident, gunmen attacked a branch of the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State, killing at least three worshippers and abducting the pastor along with other congregants, heightening fears about rising banditry and violence against civilians.
