Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of using state institutions to suppress opposition voices.
Atiku claims that the current administration is not genuinely fighting corruption but rather silencing critics to maintain political control.
In a statement shared on his social media handle, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) pointed to the recent arrest of Professor Usman Yusuf, a well-known social commentator. He described Yusuf’s detention as a politically motivated act aimed at intimidating dissenting voices.
“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.
He further accused the Tinubu administration of selectively targeting opposition figures while protecting its own allies, some of whom, he claimed, are facing corruption allegations at both local and international levels.
“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.
The former Vice President added that Tinubu’s government is not committed to fighting corruption but is instead waging a war against political opponents.
“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.
Atiku’s statement comes just a day after he condemned the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore, a vocal in his criticism of the government.
Sowore, who has been granted bail, was detained after honouring Police invitation on Monday. He is accused of cyberstalking, among other allegations.
