By Caleb Ishaya
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using state machinery to target political opposition rather than genuinely fighting corruption.
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.
“Tinubu’s 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 criticised 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 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 neutralise 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 politicisation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Professor Yusuf’s arrest has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the motives behind government’s actions.
President Tinubu’s administration is yet to respond to Atiku’s allegations.
