Plateau Visit: Atiku Blasts Tinubu’s Airport-Only Stop

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has raised serious concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Plateau State, describing it as a troubling sign of growing disconnect from the struggles of Nigerians.

In a statement on Thursday, Atiku noted that the recent tragic events in Plateau State once again exposed what he called an unacceptable approach to national tragedy. He criticized that, several days after the gruesome killings of innocent citizens, the President’s so-called “on-the-spot assessment” amounted to nothing more than a brief stop at the foot of his aircraft, without venturing beyond the airport or visiting the grieving communities.

Atiku further expressed concern over the impression that the visit was hurriedly cut short to allow the President to return to Lagos for the Easter holidays. He suggested that this reflects questionable priorities in the face of national grief.

Highlighting the impact on families mourning the Palm Sunday killings, Atiku alleged that the President turned what should have been a solemn condolence visit into a political engagement, meeting party loyalists in Jos under the guise of official duty. “This is not leadership; it is indifference presented as protocol,” he stated.

Atiku Highlights Pattern of Symbolic Visits Over Action

Drawing a parallel with a previous visit to Benue State in June 2025, Atiku recalled a condolence trip following a deadly attack that reportedly avoided the epicentre in Yelwata and instead evolved into a political gathering. He argued that such incidents indicate a consistent pattern rather than isolated events.

In Plateau, Atiku observed that the President neither visited bereaved families nor those receiving treatment in hospitals. He also noted the absence of clear policy direction, decisive security interventions, or strong reassurances to prevent future attacks.

Instead, the visit remained confined to the airport, where interactions were limited to politicians, traditional rulers, and party stakeholders—far removed from the realities of the affected communities.

Atiku further criticized reports of grieving residents being moved from parts of Jos to the airport in Heipang, near Barkin Ladi, describing it as an attempt to stage a managed appearance. According to him, “such actions reduce genuine human tragedy to mere optics, prioritising image over empathy and dignity.”

He warned that the situation raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to addressing worsening security challenges nationwide. “A leader who cannot stand with his people in their darkest moments cannot convincingly claim to be fighting for their safety,” he said.

Atiku emphasized that Nigerians are not seeking symbolic visits or public displays of sympathy but tangible actions that protect lives and property. “Citizens do not need to see the President, they need to feel the impact of effective leadership,” he added.

He concluded by stating that until the administration moves beyond optics and embraces decisive, people-centred policies, such visits will remain disconnected from the realities of the citizens they are meant to serve.