Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise security and governance over political permutations ahead of the 2027 elections, following Monday’s explosions in parts of Maiduguri, Borno State.

The explosions, believed to have been carried out by insurgents linked to Boko Haram, occurred almost simultaneously at the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the Monday Market Roundabout and the Post Office area of the metropolis.

At least five persons were reportedly killed, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The attacks came amid renewed insurgent activities in the North-East, with reports that terrorists also struck military formations in Ajari, Baga and Damboa.

Penultimate week, fighters of Boko Haram in collaboration with the Islamic State West Africa Province carried out coordinated assaults on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, killing soldiers, the village head and several community elders, including a woman.

In a statement yesterday, Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, decried what he described as the growing disconnect between governance and the security realities confronting Nigerians, particularly in the North-East.

“We seem to have abandoned the people for politics. The people that will vote are dying,” he said.

The lawmaker called on the Tinubu administration to scale down political activities ahead of 2027 and focus on its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property, as well as improving citizens’ welfare.

“President Tinubu should concentrate on governance. He should address the safety of Nigerians and their welfare first. If there is no improvement in their welfare and security, the government becomes their enemy,” Ndume added.

He stressed that the current security situation demands visible and decisive action, noting that the government must go beyond declarations to demonstrate commitment to tackling insecurity.

“We are in a state of emergency and he should be seen to be addressing the scary security situation convincingly. A lot of people are still missing from the Ngoshe massacre,” he said.

Ndume also charged security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and investigations to prevent future attacks, insisting that perpetrators of the Maiduguri bombings must be tracked and brought to justice.

“I learnt that one of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) was detonated from a tricycle. That must have been registered with the relevant authority. Proper investigation will expose the owner and may help identify those behind the explosions,” he said.

While sympathising with the Borno State Government, residents and families of victims, the former Senate Leader faulted what he described as an inadequate federal response to the tragedy.

“It is not enough to issue strongly worded press statements. Considering the number of deaths and injuries recorded in Borno and other states, this calls for national mourning,” Ndume stated.

He further suggested that if the President is unable to visit the state, Vice President Kashim Shettima should be mandated to visit and reassure affected communities of the government’s concern over their plight.

The latest attacks have once again underscored the fragile security situation in the North-East, raising concerns over the resurgence of insurgent activities in the region.