Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the arrest and detention of a critic of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration, Abubakar Salim Musa as another sign of the growing repression of dissent in the country.
He particularly noted that the arrest of Musa reflected an alarming pattern of intolerance toward criticism by the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
Atiku, who stated these on Monday, January 12, 2026, while reacting to a post by Amnesty International Nigeria on the detention of Musa, called for his immediate release from detention, just as he warned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
Atiku, who took to his official X handle said; “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.
He called on Nigerians to resist what he described as a gradual erosion of freedoms and urged patriots, civil society groups, and all Nigerians of conscience to join the demand and stand firmly against any further erosion of the people’s freedoms.
“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 noted that Musa’s detention was unjustified as his only action was speaking out about insecurity in the country, adding that Musa’s only offense was his consistent and legitimate criticism of the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.
The former Vice President further said that rather than address the concerns raised by Musa, the government resorted to intimidation and legal harassment.
In the words of Atiku; “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”.
Atiku also noted that Musa’s case was not isolated, emphasising that several Nigerians have faced similar treatment for expressing dissenting views.
According to Atiku; “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.
“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” he stated.
Atiku also said that Nigeria’s democratic credentials are at stake if citizens are punished for speaking out, stressing that 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.
“As the nation approaches a critical general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression.
“I therefore call on the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained for exercising their constitutional rights.
“I also urge the government to halt the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests and intimidation targeting critics, journalists, and opposition voices.
“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,” Atiku stated.
