Atiku slams Tinubu for skipping key project unveilings in Lagos

The media team of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his alleged absence at key project unveilings during his recent visit to Lagos.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the Atiku camp accused the President of failing to personally attend several major events scheduled as part of his official engagements.

“It is troubling and unacceptable that, despite embarking on a two-day working visit to Lagos State, the President failed to make meaningful public appearances at key project unveilings.

“The increasingly disturbing pattern of absentee leadership exhibited by the President raises serious questions about his commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Nigerian people,” the statement said.

The camp specifically cited the commissioning of the Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Bridge and the inauguration of a Multi-Agency Complex, which Tinubu delegated to Senate President Godswill Akpabio instead of attending in person.

According to the statement, the President’s absence from these events raises concerns about his commitment to governance and public accountability.

“At a time when Nigeria is grappling with worsening insecurity and other national challenges, such absence at critical state functions is both alarming and unacceptable,” it added.

It also referenced the President’s recent visit to Plateau State, describing it as “shockingly brief.”

“In the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack, he spent barely ten minutes at the Jos Airport before departing—an act widely perceived as dismissive of the gravity of the tragedy,” the statement added.

The statement further noted that the explanation by the President’s media team that he was proceeding to Lagos for official engagements had now “been rendered hollow.”

“Since his arrival in Lagos, the President has remained largely confined to his private residence, with little to no visible engagement in the activities meant to validate the so-called working visit,” it said.

While acknowledging the President’s presence at the commissioning of the Iperu Airport in Ogun State, the Atiku camp described the outing as inadequate in the context of other missed engagements.

The camp added that the pattern of delegation and limited appearances during official visits suggests a leadership style that may be disconnected from the demands of office.

It urged Tinubu to demonstrate greater presence and responsiveness in the discharge of his duties.

“Leadership is not a ceremonial privilege; it is a solemn duty. The office of the President demands presence, responsiveness, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. Anything less would amount to a grave disservice to the Nigerian people,” the statement added.

The Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, Sunday Dare, had earlier explained that his principal was unable to attend a scheduled project inauguration in Lagos due to ongoing security briefings.

Dare disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, stating that the President prioritised national security developments over the event.

According to him, “Yes, the President is in Lagos, and I’m sure beyond the pictures, you know that the President has been busy with state matters.”

He added that recent security concerns across parts of the country required the President’s attention, noting, “You will know the last 10 days, right from the attack in Jos, we’ve seen the developments.”