ATIKU: REPRESSION THREATENS FREE AND FAIR 2027 ELECTIONS
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over the potential for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections to take place under a climate of repression, warning that ongoing crackdowns on dissent pose a serious threat to the integrity of the polls.
Atiku’s concerns came in response to the arrest of Abubakar Salim Musa, a young Nigerian detained, as disclosed on Sunday evening by Amnesty International Nigeria via its official X handle, @AmnestyNigeria.
In a statement released on Monday, the former Vice President accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of increasingly relying on intimidation and arrests to silence critics instead of addressing governance challenges.
“This case highlights the repressive tendencies of the Bola Tinubu administration, which continues to target dissenting voices, whether through public protests or online commentary,” Atiku said.
He added, “Abubakar’s only ‘offense’ was his legitimate criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.”
Citing Amnesty International, Atiku noted that the charges against Musa are unsubstantiated and represent a broader misuse of state institutions to suppress opposition.
“Instead of addressing these serious issues, the government has opted to arrest him, subjecting him to what Amnesty describes as ‘bogus charges and a sham trial.’ Numerous Nigerians—including journalists, students, entertainers, and NYSC members—have faced harassment, arrest, and intimidation by security agencies merely for expressing criticism of the President or his family,” he said.
Atiku stressed that such actions undermine the foundations of democracy, which rely on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression.
“Nigeria cannot credibly claim to be part of the free world while citizens are routinely intimidated, assaulted, or arrested for voicing legitimate concerns about their government,” he concluded.
“As the nation approaches a crucial general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively under an atmosphere of fear and repression,” Atiku Abubakar said.
He called on the Tinubu administration to “immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa, along with all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.”
Atiku also urged the international community, particularly nations and organizations that champion democracy and human rights, “to hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations.”
He further encouraged fellow Nigerians, civil society groups, and all patriots of conscience “to join this demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms.”
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