The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to cancel his planned visits to South Africa and Angola, describing the move as a symbolic gesture rather than a genuine response to the worsening security crisis in northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said Nigerians should not interpret the president’s schedule change as a sign of deeper commitment or urgency following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
“The announcement stands as the latest and boldest example of tokenism. While the decision may appear to relate to the kidnapping of the Maga schoolgirls and escalating insecurity nationwide, it remains a mere perfunctory gesture,” the statement read.
The PDP challenged the presidency to demonstrate seriousness by directing President Tinubu to temporarily relocate to Kebbi and other conflict-prone areas in the North.
According to the opposition party, such a move would embolden security agencies and provide morale for troops confronting armed groups.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, he must not recline in the comfort of the Presidential Villa when 25 schoolgirls have been abducted. Leadership requires presence, especially in moments of national distress,” the statement added.
The party also referenced a deadly attack on a church in Kwara State, arguing that the president’s reaction to the Maga kidnapping does not reflect the scale of nationwide security challenges.
“Insecurity and fear have become the daily reality of Nigerians,” the PDP said, adding that the government continues to rely on denials and superficial gestures, including the cancellation of foreign trips.
The statement warned that unless backed by concrete security measures, the president’s action would be viewed as a media exercise rather than a decisive step towards restoring safety.
Recall that the abduction in Kebbi occurred on 17 November when armed men stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area (LGA).
The attackers reportedly scaled the fence, exchanged gunfire with security personnel, and seized 25 female students with the school’s vice principal, Hassan Makuku shot dead during the raid.
Local authorities have confirmed that at least two of the girls escaped into nearby farmland.
Security forces, including military units, police tactical teams, and local vigilantes, are continuing an extensive search of surrounding forests and suspected hideouts.
The attack drew condemnation from the Kebbi State Government and federal authorities, while the Senate urged immediate rescue efforts and increased resources for security operations.
In a separate incident, gunmen assaulted a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) branch in Kwara State, killing three worshippers and abducting the pastor along with several congregants during a service.
The PDP insisted that Nigerians are “tired of symbolic gestures such as statements and trip cancellations” and called for “decisive leadership, strategic action, and effective support for security personnel on the front lines.”
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