The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the cancellation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visits to South Africa and Angola, describing the decision as a direct consequence of the escalating insecurity across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the move amounts to a superficial gesture that fails to address Nigeria’s deepening security crisis. He noted that the announcement came amid nationwide outrage following the abduction of twenty-five schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
Ememobong said the President’s action is “the latest and boldest example of tokenism,” arguing that the cancellation may appear sympathetic but does nothing to confront the rising wave of insecurity.
“If the APC-led Presidency disagrees with this position, then we demand that President Tinubu temporarily relocate to Kebbi State and other theatres of armed conflict in Northern Nigeria,” he stated.
According to him, such a step would challenge security agencies to act more decisively while boosting the morale of troops operating at the frontlines.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must not recline in the comfort of the Presidential Villa at a time when 25 schoolgirls have been abducted and their whereabouts remain unknown,” Ememobong added.
The PDP also linked recent attacks in Kwara State to what it termed the “daily reality of fear” faced by Nigerians, accusing the administration of offering denials, rationalised explanations, empty assurances, and other symbolic gestures—such as the President’s cancelled trip—without delivering real solutions.