Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned what he calls the systematic suppression of opposition voices under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement on his X handle, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the recent arrests and prosecution of Omoyele Sowore and Professor Usman Yusuf, calling them part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent.

“When I warned that Tinubu and the APC were actively working to harass, intimidate, and dismantle the opposition in pursuit of a one-party state, I faced heavy criticism. The arrest and prosecution of @YeleSowore, along with the targeting of Professor Usman Yusuf, confirms this troubling trend. At this rate, they may soon imprison every opposition voice,” Atiku stated.

Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, was invited for questioning by the police on January 27, 2025. He was later granted administrative bail but refused the conditions, choosing to remain in custody. The police subsequently filed a 16-count charge of cybercrime against him.

On Thursday, a court granted him bail set at ₦10 million, requiring a surety with landed property of equal value. Justice Musa Liman also ordered Sowore to surrender his international passport and fulfill the conditions within 24 hours or remain in custody.

Meanwhile, former NHIS Executive Secretary and vocal critic of the Tinubu administration, Professor Usman Yusuf, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on fraud allegations. His arraignment, initially set for Friday, was postponed to Monday to allow for amendments to the charges.

Justice Nwecheonwu denied a bail request from Yusuf’s defense team, ruling that he remain in EFCC custody until his arraignment on February 3, 2025.

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