Former SGF accuses Atiku of lacking sympathy for terrorism victims

Former SGF Babachir Lawal slammed ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar on Channels TV Politics Today, claiming he has no sympathy for terrorism victims. Lawal specifically criticized Atiku's handling of Deborah Samuel's murder in Sokoto, noting that while Atiku initially condemned the killing, he withdrew the statement the next day blaming his press team.

'When Deborah was brutally murdered, Atiku issued a press release condemning it. Then he withdrew it and apologized, saying it was his pressmen that issued it without his approval,' Lawal stated. He added that Atiku has never condemned Imams who threaten violence against critics of Prophet Muhammad or kept quiet about recent incidents in Oyo state until they died down.

The criticism highlights tensions around religious violence in Nigeria's political landscape. Lawal suggested Atiku only speaks up when he can criticize the government, rather than addressing extremist threats directly.

This attack comes as the 2027 election approaches, with religious issues likely to remain a key political talking point. Voters may want to consider how candidates balance religious sensitivities with condemning violence, as Nigeria continues to navigate complex religious dynamics.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/09/atiku-has-no-sympathy-for-victims-of-terrorism-babachir-lawal/