Atiku Challenges Tinubu as President Calms Northern Christians

President Bola Tinubu’s Commitment to National Unity

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, made a public declaration that he has a mission to unite Nigerians. He assured Christian communities in northern Nigeria that his administration would ensure fairness among all religions in the country. This assurance came during a meeting with some Christian leaders at the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations in Jos, Plateau State.

Tinubu emphasized that his goal is to unite the nation, ensure its prosperity, and make progress. However, this statement was overshadowed by criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Atiku accused the President of prioritizing attending the burial of the mother of Mama Lydia Goshwe, the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, over visiting victims of terror attacks.

A month-long spike in killings and village attacks across Nigeria’s Middle Belt and parts of the North has prompted an international outcry. United States and Canadian lawmakers, international advocacy groups, and faith organizations have raised concerns about Christians being deliberately targeted. They are pressing for diplomatic action. However, Nigerian officials and some analysts argue that the situation is more complex and warn that labeling the violence as a single-religion “genocide” risks misdiagnosis.

The recent diplomatic attention was partly driven by high-profile interventions in Washington and Ottawa. US Senator Ted Cruz introduced a bill, “The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025,” arguing that Nigerian Christians are “being targeted and executed.” Meanwhile, in Canada, former federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer and other members of parliament have publicly condemned what they described as escalating persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

These incidents are often attributed to heavily armed gangs, including Islamist militants like Boko Haram and the Islamic States West Africa Province, bandits, and armed pastoralist militias. Journalistic accounts and international monitors document repeated, brutal attacks on villages and churches. However, the Federal Government has repeatedly rejected claims of a state-sponsored or one-sided campaign of persecution. Senior media officials and the presidency have labeled some international claims as “malicious” or “contrived.”

In his October 1 speech, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria faces multiple security threats, including insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes. He stressed that government efforts are focused on tackling all forms of violence. During his visit to Plateau State, Tinubu paid tribute to the mother of the APC National Chairman, Nana Lydia Yilwatda, who died at the age of 83. He noted that his immediate family has inter-religious ties, highlighting his belief in religious freedom.

Tinubu shared personal anecdotes about his family, stating that he inherited Islam from his family but married a Christian, a pastor. He emphasized that he never forced her to change her religion and that she prays for him. He added that what binds humanity is greater than what divides it, stressing the importance of deeds, character, and love for one another before God.

He urged clergymen to have faith in his administration, emphasizing that as leaders, they have the responsibility to manage religious issues for the benefit of all. Tinubu also reiterated his government’s determination to end insecurity and revive the nation’s economy. He mentioned ongoing efforts to defeat bandits and deal with farmers-herders clashes, along with economic reforms aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

The deceased, described as a devoted mother and humanitarian, reflected deep faith and service to her community. Reflecting on his political journey, Tinubu recalled his past association with Plateau State, mentioning a bungalow where important decisions were made during the SDP days.

In his remarks, the chief mourner and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, described his late mother as a hardworking woman who lived on medication for 47 years. He thanked the President for his emergence as APC National Chairman and pledged to uphold the trust reposed in him.

The President and Spiritual Leader of the Church of Christ in Nations, Reverend Dr Amos Mohzo, expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s support of northern Christians through key appointments. Mohzo also commended the President for his response to insecurity in Plateau and Benue States and appealed for assistance to victims of conflicts in the North-Central region.

Reacting to these events, former Vice President Atiku criticized President Tinubu for attending the burial, accusing him of choosing to celebrate with party loyalists while victims of violence continued to mourn. Atiku argued that the President chose a political event over showing empathy to victims. He highlighted the lack of visits to states affected by insecurity and loss of lives, urging the government to prioritize compassion over celebration.

Atiku described Tinubu as a leader who chose celebration over compassion, one who rejoiced while the people suffered. He criticized the President for not visiting areas affected by violence, emphasizing the need for empathy and leadership. The former Vice President concluded that the Nigerian people are watching and will remember the actions taken during times of crisis.