Oyo Abduction: Successful Rescue Operation Dashes Opposition’s 2027 Narrative – TDF

The Democratic Front (TDF) has expressed relief and delight over the successful rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists from Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, the group commended the professionalism, coordination and synergy displayed by the nation's security agencies during the operation, describing the rescue as a major milestone in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.

According to the statement:

*"The successful rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State represents a landmark achievement in Nigeria's counter-terrorism and hostage rescue efforts since the inauguration of the Tinubu administration in May 2023.

"However, we have observed that opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, who were among the most vocal critics of the government following the abduction, have remained noticeably subdued since news of the successful rescue emerged.

"We also note that rather than presenting credible policy alternatives to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's economic reforms and governance agenda, they have continued to focus on fault-finding and political attacks in what appears to be a desperate attempt to diminish the administration's achievements.

"TDF is pleased that any expectation of using the Oyo abduction as a political tool against President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election has been overtaken by the successful rescue of all 44 pupils and teachers.

"It is equally unfortunate that personality-driven politics has continued to overshadow issue-based engagement. The reluctance of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Peter Obi to acknowledge what we consider notable achievements of the Tinubu administration in security, infrastructure and economic development has weakened the credibility of their criticism and left their political camps without a coherent alternative vision."*

The group urged the Federal Government and the nation's security agencies to remain resolute in sustaining the ongoing momentum against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality, while intensifying efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.This version improves grammar, flow, neutrality of language where appropriate, and readability while preserving the substance and quotations contained in the original statement.