January 12, 2026 9:16 am
According to a post shared on his verified X handle on Monday, Atiku condemned what he described as a growing pattern of repression under the Tinubu administration.
Rather than addressing the concerns raised, Atiku accused the government of resorting to intimidation, noting that Amnesty International had described the charges against Musa as “bogus” and the legal process as “a sham trial.”
He stressed that the case was not an isolated one, alleging that several Nigerians, including journalists, entertainers, schoolchildren and members of the National Youth Service Corps, had been arrested, assaulted or intimidated for criticising the President or members of his family.
This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” Atiku said.
He added that Nigeria could not lay claim to democratic ideals “while citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government.”
With the country approaching a crucial general election period, Atiku warned that repression would make it impossible for citizens and opposition voices to operate freely.
“As the nation approaches a critical general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” he said.
Atiku also called on the government to end what he described as a sustained campaign of arbitrary arrests and intimidation against critics and journalists.
He further appealed to the international community to intervene, saying, “Countries and organisations that claim to stand for democracy and human rights must hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations.”
“I encourage fellow patriots, civil society groups and Nigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms,” he added.
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