Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again accused President Bola Tinubu of manipulating state institutions to suppress political opponents. Atiku claims that the administration is not genuinely fighting corruption but is instead targeting critics to strengthen its hold on power.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku pointed to the recent arrest of Professor Usman Yusuf, a well-known social commentator, as evidence of political intimidation. He described the detention as a deliberate move to silence those who speak out against the government.
“Two days ago, the nation was jolted by the arrest of Professor Usman Yusuf, a fierce and unyielding social critic. Though the charges against him have existed since the previous administration, it is impossible to ignore the strong likelihood that his detention is politically motivated,” Atiku wrote.
The former presidential candidate also accused the Tinubu administration of applying double standards in its anti-corruption campaign. He stated that while the government aggressively pursues opposition figures, it shields its own allies who have been accused of corruption both in Nigeria and abroad.
“It is absurd that while the administration shelters those under investigation, it continues to exploit state institutions to stifle dissent, all under the false pretense of combating corruption,” he stated.
Atiku further argued that the government’s actions show a clear pattern of using law enforcement agencies as tools for political oppression rather than for justice. He claimed that Tinubu’s approach is more about silencing opposition than genuinely addressing corruption.
“Even to the most inattentive, it has become glaringly clear that Tinubu is not waging a war on corruption — he is waging a war on the opposition, manipulating the system for his own political advantage,” Atiku added.
His statement came just a day after he condemned the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore. Sowore, a well-known critic of the government, was detained after honoring a police invitation on Monday. He was later granted bail but faces charges, including cyberstalking.
