Atiku backs CAN’s security reform demand, asks Muslim leaders to join campaign

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed support for the resolutions of the Christian Association of Nigeria at its 2026 National Church Leaders Summit.

The former Vice President also backed the association’s call for urgent reforms to address the country’s worsening security situation.

In a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday, Atiku said he aligned with the concerns raised by the Christian body and sympathised with Nigerians affected by insecurity across the country.

“I have just read the communique released by the Christian Association of Nigeria 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,” he said.

The former presidential candidate noted that CAN’s demand for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security framework echoed concerns he had repeatedly raised about the performance of the current administration.

“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,” Atiku stated.

He commended Christian leaders across various denominations for speaking with one voice on the security challenges confronting the country, describing the move as a timely intervention.

“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.

According to Atiku, the decision by Christian leaders to declare three days of national mourning should serve as a moment of reflection for those entrusted with leadership 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,” he added.

The former vice president argued that insecurity had continued to affect Nigerians regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations and called for broader support for efforts aimed at addressing the crisis.

“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.

Atiku also urged Islamic organisations and leaders to join the call for urgent action on insecurity.

“I enjoin other faith organisations especially of the Muslim block to lend their voices to this wake-up call,” he stated.

He concluded by calling on President Bola Tinubu to heed the concerns raised by CAN and take concrete steps to address the country’s security challenges.

“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,” Atiku said.