Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has thrown his weight behind 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 church’s call for urgent reforms.
Reacting to the communiqué issued at the end of the 2026 National Church Leaders Summit led by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Atiku expressed solidarity with the Christian body and sympathized with Nigerians affected by persistent insecurity across the country.
According to the former presidential candidate, the recommendations contained in the communiqué reflect concerns he has repeatedly raised about the nation’s security challenges and what he described as the shortcomings of the current administration.
“I have just read the communique released by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) under the leadership of His Grace Archbishop Daniel Okoh from the 2026 National Church Leaders Summit and I align with the concern and sympathies of the Church in Nigeria over the security of the lives of Nigerians,” Atiku stated.
He noted that CAN’s demand for a comprehensive review of the country’s security framework is consistent with his long-held position on the state of national security.
“The demand for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved operational effectiveness and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime, are all fully in line with my position on the failure of the Tinubu-led Federal Government,” he said.
Atiku also praised the unity displayed by various Christian denominations and organizations in addressing the country’s security concerns.
“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 specifically acknowledged the participation of major Christian bodies, including the Catholic Secretariat, the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, and the TEKAN/ECWA bloc.
He described CAN’s declaration of a three-day national mourning period as an opportunity for leaders at all levels to reflect on the country’s challenges and their responsibilities.
“From the Catholic Secretariat to the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN), the Organisation of African Instituted Churches to the TEKAN/ECWA and other Christian blocs in Nigeria, the declaration of a three-day period of national mourning should serve as moments of reflection for all political leaders, especially those in power with the responsibility to do better by Nigerians,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president further argued that the security crisis has affected Nigerians regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation, calling for broader national solidarity in demanding accountability from government.
“As insecurity ravages without concern for religious or ethnic differences which have been made more glaring by the 360 degrees failure of the incumbent government, I commend this noble effort to hold the ruling party accountable and encourage solidarity from all Nigerians in this regard,” he said.
He also called on Islamic organizations and other faith-based groups to join efforts aimed at drawing attention to the country’s security challenges.
“I enjoin other faith organisations especially of the Muslim block to lend their voices to this wake-up call,” he added.
Atiku concluded by urging President Tinubu to take the concerns raised by CAN seriously and prioritize decisive action over political rhetoric.
“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, at least for his remaining months in office,” he stated.