The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for condemning President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Jos.
The party described the ex-Vice President’s remarks as “politically motivated” and “uninformed.”
In a statement issued on Monday by its acting publicity secretary, Shittu Bamaiyi, the APC said Atiku “lacks the locus standi to speak on behalf of the people of the state,” insisting that his comments reflected bad faith rather than genuine concern.
President Tinubu travelled to Jos over the weekend to attend the funeral of the APC national chairman ‘s mother held at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) headquarters.
During the event, the president urged residents to embrace peace, unity, and religious tolerance.
However, Atiku, in a statement on Saturday, faulted Tinubu’s presence at the ceremony and described it as “a mockery of leadership” and “a sad reflection of priorities.”
The former Vice President argued that Tinubu’s visit, undertaken “under the auspices of his party’s national chairman,” showed insensitivity to the plight of Plateau residents who continue to suffer from violent attacks and displacement.
Reacting, the Plateau APC said Atiku’s criticism ignored the collaborative nature of security management between the federal and state governments, as well as Tinubu’s ongoing support for security operations in the region.
“By all standards, Alhaji Atiku belongs to the class of the nation’s statesmen,” the party stated.
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“However, his latest comments on the situation in Plateau were made in bad faith and from an uninformed perspective. It is unfortunate that he seeks to make political capital out of human tragedy.”
The party defended Tinubu’s record, emphasising that the president has consistently directed security agencies to restore peace and has provided logistical support for their operations.
“Asiwaju Tinubu is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and while the security of citizens rests on his shoulders, state governors equally have a constitutional duty to protect lives and property within their domains,” the statement added.
The APC cited Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s recent acknowledgement of federal assistance in combating insecurity and the warm reception Tinubu received during his visit as evidence of local appreciation for the president’s efforts.
While conceding that discussions on improving security strategies were valid, the party said Atiku’s attack on the president over a condolence visit was misplaced.
“If Governor Mutfwang, the Chief Security Officer of the state, could publicly commend the President, it stands to reason that Alhaji Atiku lacks the moral or political standing to complain on behalf of Plateau people,” the statement said.
The party urged critics to prioritise calls for greater security investment over partisan commentary.
“What matters most to Plateau residents is the deployment of additional military assets and personnel to confront insurgents head-on, not the politicisation of ceremonial visits,” the APC concluded.
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