Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign and abandon plans to seek re-election in 2027, citing the country's security challenges. Ajadi's call comes after the abduction of 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State. The incident occurred on Thursday when gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, kidnapping the travellers.
The abduction has been widely condemned, with Ajadi describing it as unacceptable. He emphasized that young Nigerians travelling to participate in the national service programme should be able to do so safely. The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. The abductors reportedly demanded ₦50 million for each of the 19 victims, potentially bringing the total ransom demand to ₦950 million.
Ajadi urged the President to direct security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still being held and ensure their safe reunion with their families. He argued that it is the responsibility of the government to protect Nigerians, particularly young people who are travelling across the country in the service of their nation. The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the ransom demand following the attack.
Security agencies have since launched search-and-rescue operations, with police authorities in Imo State identifying a suspected camp believed to be connected to the abductors. Ajadi called for sustained operations until those still in captivity are recovered, while also urging the government to strengthen security along major interstate routes frequently used by prospective corps members and other travellers.
Ajadi linked his criticism of the administration's handling of insecurity to the 2027 presidential election, arguing that Tinubu should not seek another term if his government could not adequately protect Nigerians. He stated that if the corps members are unable to be rescued, then Tinubu should resign. Ajadi described the situation as barbaric, saying the President should prioritize the safety of his citizens.
The comments represent Ajadi's political assessment of the Tinubu administration's handling of insecurity. He also appealed to Nigerians with information that could assist the authorities to cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to secure the release of those still being held. Ajadi urged the authorities to review security arrangements along interstate highways and ensure that young Nigerians travelling for national service receive greater protection.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of prospective corps members required to travel long distances across the country to report to their assigned orientation camps. Ajadi's call for Tinubu's resignation and shelving of his 2027 re-election bid has sparked a new wave of debate about the government's handling of insecurity in Nigeria.
Key points
- Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo calls on President Bola Tinubu to resign over insecurity
- 19 prospective NYSC members were abducted in Imo State
- Abductors demand ₦50 million for each of the 19 victims
