Tinubu would have lost office over insecurity in any civilised democracy” — Baba-Ahmed

…faults Tinubu on rising insecurity

 Hakeem Baba-Ahmed,The National Leader of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Tinubu’s handling of insecurity, declaring that the worsening wave of kidnappings, violent attacks and school abductions across Nigeria demonstrates a failure of leadership and government protection. He warned that no part of the country is safe from criminal violence and argued that, in a functioning democracy, such a security record would have been enough to force a leader from office.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Baba-Ahmed said President Tinubu has “no handle on escalating violence,” stressing that insecurity has spread across every region of the country despite repeated assurances from government officials.

According to him, the growing frequency of kidnappings and attacks on communities, highways and schools points to what he described as a collapse in the government’s ability to guarantee the safety of citizens.

“In a civilised democracy, President Tinubu’s record on insecurity would have cost him his seat a long time ago,” Baba-Ahmed said.

The PRP leader expressed particular concern over the continued abduction of schoolchildren, noting that incidents once considered shocking have now become routine. He argued that the normalisation of such crimes reflects the depth of Nigeria’s security crisis and the failure of authorities to contain criminal groups.

Baba-Ahmed warned that the situation could deteriorate further as the country approaches the next general elections, leaving millions of Nigerians increasingly vulnerable to criminal activities.

“Nigerians are likely to be even more exposed to criminality between now and the elections,” he said.

He called on the federal government to treat insecurity as a national emergency and adopt more decisive measures to confront the challenge. According to him, security agencies must be better coordinated and adequately equipped to tackle the growing threats posed by bandits, kidnappers, terrorists and other armed groups.

The former presidential adviser also defended the PRP’s call for President Tinubu to step aside, insisting that the demand was not politically motivated but borne out of concern for the country’s future and the welfare of its citizens.

He maintained that the party’s position reflects growing public frustration over persistent insecurity and economic hardship, adding that many Nigerians have lost confidence in the government’s ability to address the country’s challenges.

Baba-Ahmed further urged leaders at all levels to place national interest above politics and work collectively to restore security and stability across the country.

His remarks come amid continued concerns over rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and violent attacks in several parts of Nigeria, with citizens and civil society groups increasingly demanding stronger action to protect lives and property. As insecurity remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges, calls for urgent reforms and more effective security measures continue to grow.