Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that Nigeria may head into the 2027 general election under a climate of repression, insisting that continued crackdowns on dissent pose a serious threat to the conduct of free and fair polls.
Atiku raised the alarm while reacting to the arrest of Abubakar Salim Musa, a young Nigerian, disclosed on Sunday by Amnesty International Nigeria via its official X handle, @AmnestyNigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the former Vice President accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of relying on intimidation and arrests to silence criticism instead of addressing governance challenges.
According to Atiku, the case reflects what he described as the increasingly repressive posture of the Tinubu administration against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online commentary.
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He said Musa’s only offence was his consistent and legitimate criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
Citing Amnesty International, Atiku said the charges against Musa lacked credibility and formed part of a broader pattern of using state institutions to suppress opposing views.
“Rather than address these serious concerns, the government’s response has been to arrest him and subject him to what Amnesty describes as bogus charges and a sham trial,” he said.
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Atiku further alleged that many Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have been arrested, assaulted or intimidated by security agencies for criticising the President or members of his family.
Violation Of Human Rights Undermines Democracy
He warned that such actions undermine the foundations of democracy, which depend on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government,” he said.
The former Vice President cautioned that as the country approaches another general election, neither the electorate nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression.
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He called on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Musa and others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.
Atiku also urged the international community, particularly countries and organisations that promote democracy and human rights, to hold the Nigerian government accountable and demand an end to alleged violations.
He appealed to civil society groups and Nigerians to resist what he described as the gradual erosion of freedoms and to stand against further repression.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
