Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate and former vice president, has charged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is not truly combating corruption but is instead using state apparatus to target political opposition.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Atiku condemned the recent arrest of Professor Usman Yusuf, a vocal social critic, suggesting that the detention was politically motivated despite the allegations against Yusuf originating from the previous administration.
“The Tinubu government, despite being riddled with individuals who themselves are embroiled in scandals and investigations by both local and international authorities, continues to use the very machinery of the state to silence its critics,” Atiku asserted.
He further criticized the administration for allegedly shielding its allies under investigation while exploiting state institutions to suppress dissent.
“It is absurd that while the administration shelters those under investigation, it continues to exploit state institutions to stifle dissent, all under the false pretense of combating corruption,” he added.
Atiku claimed that the government’s actions had become increasingly transparent, making it clear that Tinubu’s focus was not on fighting corruption but on manipulating the system to neutralize political opposition.
“Even to the most inattentive, it has become glaringly clear that Tinubu is not waging a war on corruption—he is waging a war on the opposition, manipulating the system for his own political advantage,” he concluded.
The statement comes amid growing concerns about the perceived politicization of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Professor Usman Yusuf’s arrest has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the motives behind the government’s actions.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has yet to respond to Atiku’s allegations.
