Maiduguri bombing: Don’t elect me President without convincing security plan – Aspirant, Onyema

2026-03-19 - 15:43

By Emmanuel Okogba The recent bombing in Maiduguri that killed over 20 people has sparked sharp criticism from 2027 presidential aspirant Francis Onyema, who lambasted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for lacking a “clear and decisive security strategy.” In a strongly worded statement released Wednesday, Onyema who is hoping to fly the flag of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), described the attack as a stark reminder of ongoing national vulnerabilities, urging all political leaders—including fellow aspirants vying to unseat Tinubu—to move beyond emotional rhetoric and present concrete, workable plans to combat insecurity. “The bombing that claimed over 20 lives in Maiduguri should alarm every Nigerian,” Onyema said. “It exposes, once again, the absence of a clear and decisive security strategy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his security leadership.” He criticized presidential hopefuls for responding with “the usual rhetoric—expressions of sadness or declarations that the nation is under siege,” arguing that such statements fail to address the root causes. “What Nigerians must demand from those who seek the highest office in the land are clear strategies and workable frameworks capable of confronting insecurity decisively,” Onyema added. “Without such clarity of purpose and preparedness, these tragic incidents will continue to repeat themselves.” Applying the same scrutiny to his own campaign, Onyema stated: “This standard must apply to me as well. Nigerians should not elect me President if my proposals for tackling insecurity are not convincing and capable of restoring confidence in the safety of our nation.” The Maiduguri explosion, which occurred in a crowded area, has reignited national debates on Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast. Authorities have yet to release full details on the incident, but it has prompted calls for enhanced intelligence and counter-terrorism measures. Onyema emphasized the need for “practical frameworks” to prevent future attacks.