By Merciful Omoba
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to immediately release Abubakar Salim Musa, a critic of the Bola Tinubu administration known on X as @AM_Saleeeem.
In a post on his verified X handle on Monday, Atiku condemned what he described as a growing pattern of repression under the current administration.
He spoke in reaction to a statement by Amnesty International Nigeria, which said Musa was arbitrarily arrested on January 11, 2026, and remanded at Keffi Prison ahead of what it described as a “sham trial” based on “bogus charges.”
According to Atiku, Musa’s arrest was linked to his persistent criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.
He accused the government of resorting to intimidation rather than addressing legitimate concerns raised by citizens.
The former Vice President said the case reflected a broader trend in which Nigerians, including journalists, entertainers, students and members of the National Youth Service Corps, have allegedly faced arrest, harassment or intimidation for expressing dissenting views.
Atiku warned that such actions undermine democracy and the constitutional right to freedom of expression, stressing that Nigeria cannot claim to uphold democratic values while citizens are punished for criticising those in power.
With the country approaching another general election period, he cautioned that repression would make it impossible for citizens and opposition voices to operate freely.
He therefore urged the Tinubu administration to immediately and unconditionally release Musa and others detained for exercising their fundamental rights.
