African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the reported deployment of security personnel to protect his campaign posters and billboards in Kaduna ahead of his planned visit on Saturday.
Daily Trust reported that security operatives were stationed at key locations across the city to prevent possible damage to the campaign materials before the official launch of Tinubu’s presidential campaign in the state.
Reacting to the report, Atiku shared its graphic and accused Tinubu of giving his campaign materials more attention than the safety of Nigerians facing attacks from bandits.
“Bola, you claim Nigerians love you, yet your billboards in Kaduna require security guards.
“Bandits raid villages, terrorists attack communities, and families live in fear. Your posters enjoy protection that millions of Nigerians can only dream of. What a tragic statement of your government’s priorities.
“Bola, please protect Nigerians with the same urgency you protect your image! -AA” Atiku added.
However, the Kaduna State Government has denied claims that security operatives were deployed specifically to protect Tinubu’s campaign materials.
Abdullah Yunus Abdullah, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Uba Sani, said security personnel are routinely deployed to sensitive locations whenever high-profile visitors arrive.
“It’s worth noting that whenever a high-profile person is visiting town, security operatives are always deployed to flashpoint areas like markets, roundabouts, flyovers, places of worship, and other strategic locations. It’s a standard practice that happens everywhere.
He also cited the administration of former President Buhari, saying similar deployments took place during his time in office.
Abdullah described the ADC members’ claims as baseless and said the state was maintaining an existing security tradition if the officers were indeed guarding the billboards.
