Atiku Abubakar says free speech is under threat as critics face harassment nationwide.
He warns rising crackdowns could weaken democracy and place government above the people.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over what he says is an increasing crackdown on free speech under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement on Monday titled ‘A Nation Gripped in the Throes of Fear’, Atiku said citizens, journalists, and activists are facing harassment for speaking up or holding different opinions. He noted that the Cyberstalking Act has become a tool used to silence criticism.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, accused the present administration of using state agencies to suppress opposition voices. He added that growing disregard for court rulings threatens the rule of law ahead of future elections.
The former vice president also faulted the silence of institutions that should challenge abuse of power. According to him, bodies with oversight responsibility now appear more interested in praise than accountability.
He warned that the country could slip into a situation where the government treats citizens as subjects rather than equal partners in democracy. He pointed to recent arrests of journalists and protesters, including those who took part in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, as examples of what he called rising persecution.
“At this rate, the government risks acting like it is above the people, instead of serving them,” he said.
Atiku added that the 2027 polls will be a key moment for Nigerians to decide whether the country continues on this path or chooses a more open democratic direction. He insisted that the collective voice of citizens cannot be defeated.
His comments follow the arrest of activist Omoyele Sowore, lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, and others during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest. Although a court in Abuja has granted bail, they are still in custody pending completion of the process.
