Maiduguri blasts: Government's focus should be on safety, not next year's elections, says Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume, the former Senate Leader, has weighed in on the explosions that rocked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday, emphasizing that the Federal Government should give precedence to security over political considerations for the 2027 elections.

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In a statement released to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Ndume, who represents Borno South, implored the Bola Tinubu administration to prioritize governance, focusing on the security of lives and property, as well as the welfare of citizens, which he deemed the primary responsibility of government.

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Ndume expressed deep concern over the killings in the North-East and other regions at the hands of insurgents and bandits, stating, "The people that will vote are dying," and urged President Tinubu to concentrate on governance.

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He called on the President to address the safety and welfare of Nigerians, and to go beyond mere press statements, emphasizing the need for tangible action to tackle the security challenges facing the country.

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Ndume also drew attention to the Ngoshe massacre, noting that many people are still missing, and demanded that the perpetrators of the Maiduguri bombings be apprehended, calling for enhanced security efforts and intelligence gathering to prevent future attacks.

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He extended his sympathies to the Borno State Government, residents, and families of victims, criticizing President Tinubu's response as inadequate, stating that a mere press statement was insufficient in the face of such tragedy.

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Ndume suggested that if President Tinubu is unable to visit Borno, he should dispatch Vice President Kashim Shettima to assure Nigerians that he is committed to addressing their plight, emphasizing the need for more concrete action from the government.