NEYGA Criticizes Presidential Candidates for Political Exploitation of Security Issues
The Northern Ethnic Youth Association (NEYGA) has condemned All Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi for leveraging Nigeria’s security crises for political gain. This response comes amid rising tensions following a series of armed attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, resulting in student abductions.
The group urged both candidates to take a lesson from political leaders in the U.S. and Israel, who set aside their political ambitions to stand united with their governments during critical moments, such as the 9/11 attacks and the recent Hamas assault on Israel.
NEYGA expressed its discontent with the remarks made by both Atiku and Obi, especially as they blamed the current administration for its inability to protect schoolchildren, whom Obi described as “pawns in the ransom economy.” Atiku similarly criticized the government, stating that its security failures undermine initiatives aimed at safeguarding educational institutions.
Emphasizing that protecting citizens is a government’s fundamental obligation, Atiku remarked that the persistent abductions reflect a failure of leadership, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu should not remain in office while citizens suffer. NEYGA countered, asserting that using the suffering of innocent children as a political tool is unethical and unpatriotic, accusing both politicians of having played roles in the country’s present security decline.
In a statement by spokesperson Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Mussa, NEYGA expressed disappointment that individuals aspiring for high office would exploit vulnerable groups for political leverage. The group indicated that such behavior only strengthens President Tinubu’s claims that there are forces working against him in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election.
The association challenged Atiku and Obi to reflect on their pasts, reminding them that effective action against Boko Haram by the government during Atiku’s term as vice president could have mitigated today’s threats. NEYGA also pointed out Obi’s previous role as an advisor to the Federal Government on counter-terrorism, questioning his current position on the matter.
NEYGA called on both candidates to observe how opposition parties in other countries respond to security challenges, highlighting the importance of unity. Citing historical examples, NEYGA illustrated how American politicians of differing affiliations rallied behind their leaders post-9/11 and how Israeli politicians supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the recent Hamas attack. Such solidarity, they argued, is crucial in effectively addressing national security threats.
Reflecting on international incidents, NEYGA emphasized that political unity is paramount in the face of adversity. They noted that Kenyan politicians similarly supported President Uhuru Kenyatta following the al-Shabaab attack on the Westgate Shopping Center, leading to improved safety in the aftermath. This call for unity underscores the group’s belief that political strife should not overshadow the urgent need for national security.
Anticipating backlash, NEYGA found it ironic that Atiku, connected to the origins of Boko Haram, would now critique the current security landscape. They urged Atiku and Obi to reassess their responses going forward and to approach discussions about Nigeria’s security situation with more prudence.
