Atiku Backs CAN’s Security Alarm, Urges Tinubu to Heed National Wake-Up Call

By Emmanuel Kwada

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has endorsed the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the worsening security situation in the country, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to heed the call for urgent reforms.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Atiku said he fully aligns with the communique released by CAN under the leadership of Daniel Okoh following the 2026 National Church Leaders Summit.

The former Vice President expressed sympathy with Nigerians affected by insecurity and described CAN’s demands for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture as consistent with his long-held position on what he termed the failure of the current administration to adequately address security challenges.

According to him, the church’s call for enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved operational effectiveness and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime reflects the urgent needs of the country.

Atiku commended Christian leaders across various denominations and blocs for speaking with one voice on issues affecting national security, describing the move as a timely intervention.

“It is encouraging for Nigerians to see Christians from various denominations and blocs unite in this spiritual wake-up call upon the political leadership to do better,” he said.

He specifically acknowledged the involvement of the Catholic Secretariat, the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, TEKAN, ECWA and other Christian bodies in the declaration of a three-day national mourning period.

The ADC presidential candidate said the mourning period should serve as a moment of reflection for political leaders, particularly those currently in positions of authority.

Atiku further noted that insecurity continues to affect Nigerians irrespective of religion or ethnicity, stressing that the challenge has been worsened by what he described as the government’s failure to provide effective leadership.

He praised CAN for holding the ruling party accountable and called on other faith-based organisations, particularly Muslim groups, to join efforts aimed at drawing attention to the country’s security crisis.

“On behalf of the political opposition whom Tinubu has ignored, as well as the Nigerian people, I urge the President to listen to this urgent call from CAN and diligently ponder his course of action beyond rhetoric,” Atiku stated.

He added that Nigerians expect practical solutions and decisive leadership in addressing the nation’s security challenges, urging the Federal Government to prioritize the protection of lives and property across the country.

The statement comes amid growing concerns over persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups in several parts of the country, with religious and civic organisations increasingly calling for urgent government intervention.