The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to resign and abandon plans to seek re-election in 2027, citing the country’s security challenges and the abduction of prospective National Youth Service Corps members in Imo State.

Ajadi made the call while reacting to the abduction of 19 prospective corps members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

The travellers were abducted after gunmen attacked two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in the Umunoha area of Imo State on Thursday.

Ajadi described the incident as unacceptable, saying young Nigerians travelling to participate in the national service programme should be able to do so safely.

“It is ridiculous and unreasonable that corps members who are travelling to serve their motherland should be kidnapped,” Ajadi said.

“These are young Nigerians who have completed their education and are being deployed to contribute to the development of their country.”

He urged the President to direct security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still being held and ensure their safe reunion with their families.

“Mr President must make the immediate rescue of these corps members a priority. It is the responsibility of the government to protect Nigerians, particularly young people who are travelling across the country in the service of their nation,” he said.

The abductors reportedly demanded ₦50 million for each of the 19 victims, potentially bringing the total ransom demand to ₦950 million.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, whose company operated the buses, confirmed the ransom demand following the attack.

The buses had reportedly departed Ibadan for the NYSC orientation camps before the passengers were attacked in Imo State.

Security agencies have since launched search-and-rescue operations.

Ajadi called for sustained operations until those still in captivity are recovered, while also urging the government to strengthen security along major interstate routes frequently used by prospective corps members and other travellers.

He argued that recurring incidents of kidnapping and other security threats required stronger action from the Federal Government.

Ajadi subsequently linked his criticism of the administration’s handling of insecurity to the 2027 presidential election, arguing that Tinubu should not seek another term if his government could not adequately protect Nigerians.

“If these corps members are unable to be rescued, then Mr President should resign,” Ajadi said.

“It is barbaric for the father of the nation to continue his duty as President while some of his children are in the den of kidnappers.”

He further called on Tinubu to reconsider any plan to seek re-election in 2027.

“Tinubu should resign because he has not been able to meet the responsibility of solving the insecurity in the nation,” Ajadi said.

“He should not bother to contest in the 2027 general election. He should rather resign now.”

The comments represent Ajadi’s political assessment of the Tinubu administration’s handling of insecurity.

Ajadi also appealed to Nigerians with information that could assist the authorities to cooperate with security agencies as efforts continue to secure the release of those still being held.

Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified operations following the abduction.

Police authorities in Imo State said they had identified a suspected camp believed to be connected to the abductors as search-and-rescue operations continued.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of prospective corps members required to travel long distances across the country to report to their assigned orientation camps.

Ajadi urged the authorities to review security arrangements along interstate highways and ensure that young Nigerians travelling for national service receive greater protection.