Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has thrown his weight behind the resolutions reached by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at its 2026 National Church Leaders Summit, particularly the call for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture.
The former vice president said the concerns raised by the Christian body reflected the fears and frustrations of millions of Nigerians who continue to bear the brunt of insecurity across the country.
Reacting to the summit’s communique in a statement posted on his verified X account on Wednesday, Atiku said the position taken by CAN aligned with his longstanding criticism of the Federal Government’s handling of security challenges.
According to him, the association’s recommendations, including a comprehensive review of the nation’s security framework, improved intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration among security agencies, enhanced operational efficiency and greater accountability in the fight against violent crimes, mirrored the reforms he has consistently advocated.
Atiku argued that the persistence of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and other forms of criminality was evidence that the current administration had fallen short of public expectations in safeguarding lives and property.
He praised Christian leaders for presenting a united front on an issue he described as a national emergency, noting that their intervention transcended denominational interests and reflected genuine concern for the welfare of Nigerians.
The former vice president also welcomed the decision of Christian leaders to declare a three-day period of national mourning for victims of insecurity, saying the gesture should prompt serious introspection among political leaders, particularly those currently entrusted with the responsibility of governing the country.
He acknowledged the participation of various Christian blocs, including the Catholic Secretariat, the Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, and the TEKAN/ECWA family, describing their collective stance as a powerful message to the nation's leadership.
Atiku maintained that insecurity does not discriminate along religious, ethnic or regional lines, stressing that all Nigerians have been affected either directly or indirectly by the deteriorating security situation.
He therefore called for broader national solidarity in demanding accountability and effective action from those in authority.
The ADC presidential candidate further urged Muslim leaders and organisations to join the campaign for improved security, saying the challenge facing the country requires a united response from all faith groups and stakeholders.
According to him, religious bodies have a moral responsibility to speak out when citizens are under threat and to encourage leaders to act decisively in the interest of the people.
Atiku also challenged President Bola Tinubu to pay close attention to the concerns raised by CAN and move beyond public assurances by implementing concrete measures capable of restoring public confidence in the nation's security system.
He said the message from the Christian body represented not only the concerns of the Church but also the sentiments of many Nigerians and opposition voices who have repeatedly called for a more effective response to the country's security crisis.
The former vice president urged the President to use the remainder of his tenure to address the challenges confronting the nation and demonstrate a stronger commitment to protecting citizens from the growing threats posed by criminal and insurgent groups.
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