Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised the alarm over what he described as the growing audacity of bandits operating across the country, lamenting that criminal groups continued to attack communities and take hostages with little resistance.

Atiku, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressed his concerns while reacting to the latest attack on Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where about 177 worshippers were abducted from three churches.

In a statement signed by Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, and dated January 21, 2026, the former vice president said it was troubling that despite claims by some state governments of success in negotiating peace deals with bandits, the same criminal elements were still carrying out violent attacks unchecked.

“It’s colossally embarrassing to see non-state actors holding the country hostage and attacking people and taking hostages again and again unchallenged,” Atiku said.

He argued that deterrence becomes difficult in a situation where state authorities appeared weakened in their response to insecurity, noting that some governors have resorted to pleading with bandits under the guise of peace negotiations.

Atiku clarified that while he was not opposed to dialogue as a means of ending violence, he rejected any arrangement in which armed groups dictate the terms of engagement

“Those peace deals always favour the bandits more than their victims and they have always fooled the government’s negotiators,” he said.

The former vice president also faulted what he described as reactive responses to insecurity, advising that government action should not be limited to moments after attacks have already occurred.

“Nigerians are no longer impressed by the powerful language of condemnation by the government. They’re more interested in results than rhetoric. Experience has shown that if rhetoric were enough to deter the bandits, the menace would have ended a long time ago,” he added.

Atiku further stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu must be held accountable for its campaign promises to tackle insecurity across the country.

“Nigerians cannot be comforted by excuses. As a former opposition party, the APC held the then government in power to the harshest and merciless standards and therefore, the Tinubu administration must be held to the same standards,” he said.

Our correspondent had reported that an incident on Sunday, January 18, at three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulted in the abduction of over 160 people. Initially, the State government and Police Command denied that the incident took place but later admitted to it on Tuesday through a statement by their spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin. This admission came after widespread public criticism of the police’s initial denial.

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A former Minister of State for Education and two-time member of the House of Representatives, Dr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has formally declared his interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Nwajiuba contested for the same office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022 but pulled out blaming manipulation of the system.

Nwajiuba has joined former Vice President, Atiku Abubukar, Peter Obi, Chibuike Amaechi as those who are said to be having  interest in getting the ADC’s presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.

 Speaking to our correspondent , Nwajiuba said  it won’t be business as usual as Nigerians should be looking at aspirants with proven integrity and requisite educational and work experience.

Nwajiuba, a seasoned lawyer called to the Nigerian Bar in1989 and a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is entering  the race with a message anchored on what he describes as a “competence-first” approach to leadership.

His declaration signals the entry of a candidate who is positioning experience, policy depth, and institutional knowledge at the centre of national governance.

Speaking on his ambition, Nwajiuba emphasised that Nigeria’s current challenges require leadership driven by clear policies, effective negotiation skills, and a strong grassroots political structure rather than rhetoric.

 He noted that his years in the legislature, the executive arm of government, and key national institutions have equipped him with a broad understanding of governance and public finance.

 The former minister is expected to focus his campaign on education reform, economic stabilisation, and rebuilding public trust in government institutions.

Political observers say his entry into the race on the ADC platform adds a new dimension to the evolving presidential contest, particularly as smaller parties seek to present alternative leadership choices to Nigerians.

With his declaration, Nwajiuba joins a growing list of aspirants aiming to shape the national conversation ahead of the next general election, as debates around competence, experience, and inclusive governance continue to gain momentum

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections, outlining key dates for elections, party primaries, campaigns, and voter registration.

According to the timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, February 20, 2027, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, March 6, 2027.

INEC also announced the campaign periods for the elections. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on November 18, 2026, and end on February 19, 2027.

For the Governorship and State Assembly elections, campaigns will begin on December 15, 2026, and close on March 5, 2027.

As part of preparations for the polls, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will take place from April 2026 to January 2027, allowing eligible Nigerians to register or update their voter information ahead of the elections.

Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between July 1 and September 30, 2026.

The submission of candidates’ lists to INEC is scheduled for October 1 to October 31, 2026, while the final list of candidates will be published on November 15, 2026.

Meanwhile, INEC noted that there is an ongoing proposal to amend the Electoral Act to shift the general elections to November 2026. However, the proposal is still under consideration and has not been approved.

The commission urged political parties, stakeholders, and the electorate to take note of the timetable and comply with all guidelines to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process in 2027.