Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to immediately release Abubakar Salim Musa and halt what he described as a growing pattern of repression against dissenting voices in the country.
Atiku, who served as Vice-President from 1999 to 2007 and holds the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa, made the call following reports by Amnesty International Nigeria on Sunday, January 11, 2026, detailing the alleged arbitrary arrest of the young Nigerian critic.
According to Atiku, the arrest of Abubakar Salim Musa is a troubling illustration of what he characterised as the increasingly repressive posture of the Tinubu administration toward criticism, whether expressed through public protest or online commentary. He said Abubakar’s only “offence” was his persistent and legitimate criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
Rather than addressing the substance of such concerns, Atiku alleged that the government resorted to arresting the critic and subjecting him to what Amnesty International reportedly described as “bogus charges and a sham trial.”
He further noted that the case was not isolated, alleging that several Nigerians—including journalists, schoolchildren, entertainers, and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)—have in recent times been arrested, assaulted, or intimidated by security agencies for criticising the President or members of his family.
Atiku warned that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations, stressing that democracy is anchored on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression. He argued that Nigeria cannot credibly claim adherence to democratic norms while citizens are allegedly harassed for expressing critical opinions about those in power.
With the country approaching another general election, the former Vice-President cautioned that an atmosphere of fear and repression would undermine both public participation and the ability of opposition parties to operate freely.
He therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of Abubakar Salim Musa and others detained for exercising their constitutional rights, while urging the government to put an end to arbitrary arrests and intimidation of critics, journalists, and opposition figures.
Atiku also appealed to the international community, particularly organisations and countries that advocate democracy and human rights, to hold the Nigerian government accountable and press for an end to the alleged violations. He further urged civil society groups and Nigerians to unite in defence of democratic freedoms and resist any further erosion of fundamental rights.
