Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to immediately release Abubakar Salim Musa, describing his arrest as another sign of what he called the growing repression of dissent under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku made the demand on Monday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle while reacting to a post by Amnesty International Nigeria on the detention of the young Nigerian critic.
“In the early evening of Sunday, January 11, 2026, the official X handle of Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) shared details of the arbitrary arrest of young Nigerian Abubakar Salim Musa,” Atiku wrote.
According to the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, the arrest reflects what he described as an alarming pattern of intolerance toward criticism by the current government.
“This case is yet another stark example of the repressive nature of the President Bola Tinubu administration, which continues to bare its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism,” he stated.
Atiku said Musa’s detention was unjustified, stressing that his only action was speaking out about insecurity in the country.
“Abubakar’s only ‘offense’ was his consistent and legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country,” he said.
Rather than addressing the concerns raised, Atiku accused the government of resorting to intimidation and legal harassment.
“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 added.
The former vice president warned that Musa’s case was not isolated, alleging that several Nigerians have faced similar treatment for expressing dissenting views.
“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Numerous Nigerians, including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers, and even National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have faced arrest, assault, and intimidation by the police and other security agencies simply for criticizing the President or members of his family,” Atiku said.
He cautioned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” he noted.
Atiku argued that Nigeria’s democratic credentials are at stake if citizens are punished for speaking out.
“Nigeria cannot claim to be part of the free world while its citizens are routinely arrested, assaulted, and intimidated for voicing criticism of their government,” he said.
With the country moving toward another general election cycle, Atiku warned that fear and repression could undermine the political process.
“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 stated.
He therefore issued a direct call to the Federal Government.
“I therefore call on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights,” Atiku said.
He also urged authorities to put an end to what he described as a pattern of intimidation.
“I also urge the government to halt the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests and intimidation targeting critics, journalists, and opposition voices,” he added.
Beyond Nigeria, Atiku appealed to the global community to intervene.
“I urge the international community, particularly countries and organizations that champion democracy and human rights, to hold the Tinubu regime accountable and demand an end to these violations,” he said.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to resist what he described as a gradual erosion of freedoms.
“I encourage fellow patriots, civil society groups, and all Nigerians of conscience to join this demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms,” Atiku declared.
