Former Vice President and opposition leader, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a scathing critique of the Nigerian government under President Bola Tinubu, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress of orchestrating a systematic campaign to silence political opposition.
In a tweet, Atiku claimed that the APC is using harassment, intimidation, and unlawful prosecution as tools to dismantle opposition voices and pave the way for a one-party autocracy.
His comments come in the wake of the arrest and ongoing prosecution of activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, which Atiku described as part of a broader pattern of political repression.
Atiku wrote, “When I made the clarion call that Tinubu and the APC were devoting their energies to the systematic harassment, intimidation, and dismantling of the opposition, all in service of their grand design for a one-party autocracy, I became the target of vicious attacks.
“The arrest and baseless prosecution of Sowore is the latest chapter in this unrelenting campaign.
“Now, they have seen fit to add Professor Usman Yusuf — an outspoken critic of this administration — into their grim roster.
“At the pace they are going, it seems they may soon find themselves contending with the incarceration of every one of us.”
Atiku further warned that if the government continues on its current trajectory, it could lead to widespread incarcerations of opposition figures across the country.
“His comment suggests that those who challenge the government may soon face imprisonment as part of a coordinated effort to stifle dissent.”
This latest criticism adds to the growing tension between the opposition and the APC-led government, which has faced mounting accusations of political repression since Tinubu assumed office.
Political analysts believe that Atiku’s statements could further inflame the already polarised political climate in Nigeria, where dissenting voices have become increasingly vulnerable to government actions.
The arrest of Sowore and other critics has sparked widespread condemnation both locally and internationally, with human rights groups warning of a possible erosion of democratic freedoms in the country.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the opposition remains vocal in their resistance to what they perceive as a growing authoritarian trend under the current administration.
