Atiku Abubakar has accused President Tinubu of using state institutions to suppress opposition while shielding allies from corruption probes. Citing Professor Usman Yusuf’s arrest, Atiku claims the government is waging a political war. The presidency denies the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated attacks.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of using state institutions to suppress political opponents instead of tackling corruption. Atiku, who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, made these claims on Friday through a statement shared on social media.
He cited the recent arrest of Professor Usman Yusuf, a known government critic, as an example of selective persecution. According to Atiku, the charges against Yusuf, which originated from the previous administration, are now being used as a tool to silence dissent.
Atiku criticized Tinubu’s government for allegedly protecting allies facing corruption investigations while using the legal system to intimidate opposition figures. He described the approach as a misuse of power, arguing that the fight against corruption should be fair and impartial.
The presidency has dismissed Atiku’s allegations, claiming they are politically motivated and an attempt to discredit the government. However, Yusuf’s arrest has sparked widespread reactions, with critics questioning the motive behind his detention.
Atiku further alleged that Tinubu's administration is more focused on consolidating political power than addressing Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges. He accused the president of blurring the lines between state power and personal ambition, warning that such actions undermine democracy.
Despite these claims, Tinubu’s supporters argue that his administration remains committed to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability. The political battle between Atiku and Tinubu appears far from over, with both sides standing firm on their positions.
