Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 Presidential candidate for African Democratic Congress (ADC), has expressed support for the concerns raised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the worsening security situation in the country, describing the church’s position as a timely and necessary wake-up call to the nation’s political leadership.
In a statement on Thursday, Atiku said he had reviewed the communiqué issued by CAN under the leadership of Archbishop Daniel Okoh following the 2026 National Church Leaders Summit and aligned himself with the association’s concerns and sympathies regarding the security challenges facing Nigerians.
The former presidential candidate said CAN’s demand for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved operational effectiveness and greater accountability in combating terrorism, banditry and violent crime reflected his longstanding criticism of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
According to Atiku, the recommendations contained in the communiqué are consistent with his position that the current government has failed to adequately address the country’s security crisis.
He commended the unity demonstrated by Christian leaders across various denominations and blocs, including the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, and the TEKAN/ECWA bloc, among others.
Atiku noted that the declaration of a three-day period of national mourning by the church should serve as an opportunity for reflection by political leaders, particularly those entrusted with governing the country.
“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.
The former vice president argued that insecurity continues to affect Nigerians regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation, adding that the crisis has exposed what he described as the shortcomings of the current administration.
He praised CAN’s efforts to hold the government accountable and called on other faith-based organisations, particularly within the Muslim community, to join the advocacy for improved security and governance.
Atiku further urged President Tinubu to pay close attention to the concerns raised by the Christian body and take concrete action to address the nation’s security challenges.
“On behalf of the political opposition whom Tinubu has ignored, as well as the Nigerian people, I urge Tinubu to listen to this urgent call from CAN and diligently ponder his courses of action beyond rhetorics,” he said.
The statement comes amid growing concerns from religious and civil society groups over persistent incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and violent attacks across several parts of the country.
