The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the Federal Government that shutting down schools because of rising kidnappings is not a real solution to insecurity.
The opposition party said the move looks like giving in to the plans of terrorists who target educational institutions.
Speaking in Abuja, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Tanimu Turaki, appeared alongside a factional leader of the party, Ini Ememobong.
They told journalists that the government must focus on long-term security measures, not temporary shutdowns.
The opposition party leaders argued that closing schools sends the wrong message and creates more fear in communities already dealing with attacks.
It insisted that the safety of schoolchildren should be a national priority, not a political talking point.
According to Ememobong, “…If the schools are closed, the goal of the terrorists would have been inadvertently achieved.”
He also urged the government to immediately implement the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools. He said it should be driven by community intelligence and a fast-response system capable of stopping attacks before they escalate.
Ememobong warned that insecurity around schools will discourage education, especially in Northern Nigeria.
The PDP added that both local and foreign partners should be engaged to strengthen the fight against terrorism. The leaders also said the opposition is willing to assist the administration if invited.
However, the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) reacted to the PDP’s comments.
The body issued a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nnana Igbokwe, where it criticised what it described as unnecessary politicisation of a painful national issue.
According to the forum, “It is unfortunate that the PDP could turn an issue as sensitive as kidnapping into a political tool of attack just to score cheap political points.”
The group reminded political actors that Nigerians are already suffering trauma from repeated school abductions and deserve more responsible engagement.
The NFFL said what the country needs now are practical suggestions and unity of purpose, not statements that may create further tension.
It urged the PDP to act with restraint and show patriotism by avoiding comments that “toy with the emotions of Nigerians.”
