If k!dnapping school children and their teachers is a strategy to stop President Tinubu from winning the 2027 elections, you have failed woefully- APC chieftain, Joe Igbokwe

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has come under criticism following a social media post in which he appeared to suggest that the recent abduction of teachers and students in Oyo State could be politically motivated ahead of the 2027 general election.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Igbokwe insinuated that those behind the kidnapping may be attempting to influence public opinion against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election.

According to him, any attempt to use insecurity and kidnappings to weaken Tinubu’s chances in 2027 would ultimately fail.

“If anyone thinks that kidnapping teachers and students will stop President Tinubu from winning the 2027 presidential election, they have failed,” Igbokwe reportedly wrote.

The comment quickly sparked reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the statement.

Critics accused the APC chieftain of politicising a tragic security crisis and showing insensitivity to the plight of abducted teachers, students and their families.

Others argued that the focus should remain on securing the release of the victims rather than linking the incident to electoral politics.

The controversy comes amid growing concern over the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has triggered nationwide condemnation and calls for urgent action from security agencies.

Families of the victims, civil society groups, labour unions, religious leaders and public figures have continued to demand the safe release of those still being held captive.

As reactions continue online, many Nigerians have called on political leaders and stakeholders to prioritise the rescue of the victims and the broader challenge of insecurity rather than engaging in political speculation.

The Oyo school kidnapping remains one of the most widely discussed security incidents in the country, with rescue efforts reportedly ongoing.