Atiku said this on Thursday in a statement issued by his Media Office in Abuja. According to him, the recent arrest and continued detention of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai is proof that Tinubu's government is weaponizing anti-corruption agencies to intimidate dissenting voices.
He said El-Rufai was a strong member of APC who helped Tinubu win in 2023, but now that he has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the G-100 opposition coalition, he is being persecuted with old cases.
Atiku also mentioned the case of former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-NNPCL boss Mele Kyari who were also recently arrested by EFCC. He said this shows a pattern of targeting anyone who criticizes the government.
The APC has however denied the allegation. In a response, APC spokesperson Felix Morka said the anti-corruption agencies are independent and Atiku is trying to protect corrupt politicians. He said Atiku himself has corruption cases to answer and should not be preaching.
Atiku said Nigeria is sliding into a one-party dictatorship and called on Nigerians, civil society, and the international community to speak up for democracy.
Political observers say this accusation comes at a time when many opposition figures are indeed facing court cases, which may affect their ability to contest in January 2027.
Do you think Atiku is right that opposition is being silenced?
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