Atiku, Odinkalu slam Tinubu over billboard security in insecure Kaduna

President Bola Tinubu has faced criticism from two prominent opposition figures over his decision to station security operatives guarding campaign billboards in Kaduna ahead of the All Progressives Congress flag-off set for 24 October 2026. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-human rights chief Chidi Odinkalu have both condemned what they view as skewed governmental priorities in a state battling widespread armed banditry and terrorism.

Atiku, running as the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, called the arrangement a tragic reflection of where power stands today. He questioned the logic behind arming guards for campaign materials when Nigerian communities continue enduring assaults by criminal gangs and terrorist organisations.

Odinkalu, a former National Human Rights Commission chairman, levelled parallel accusations at both Tinubu and Kaduna Governor Uba Sani for allocating insufficient resources toward resident protection, noting that money devoted to billboard defence might serve communities better. The row intensified as Tinubu prepared for his campaign rally at Kaduna Township Stadium.

In advance of this event, police officers, undercover operatives, traffic enforcement officials and civil defence personnel have taken positions at key intersections, roundabouts and other strategic locations. Atiku posed a challenge: if Tinubu truly commanded widespread public affection as he maintains, why would promotional materials need armed safeguarding?

Both voices highlighted a fundamental mismatch: visible security investment protecting campaign infrastructure stands in sharp contrast to the perilous insecurity confronting millions of ordinary Nigerians. Recent years have brought repeated violence to Kaduna State from armed organisations and criminal networks.

This deployment around promotional materials has fuelled wider arguments regarding how resources get distributed when many communities remain exposed to violence and kidnapping.