Atiku Accuses Tinubu Of Turning Nigeria Into A Police State Ahead Of 2027

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of turning Nigeria into a police state where citizens live in fear.

He warned that the country was drifting toward dictatorship as security agencies continue to clamp down on critics, journalists, and opposition voices under the guise of law enforcement.

In a statement released on Monday titled A Nation Gripped in the Throes of Fear, Atiku said the government has become oppressive, relying on harsh laws like the Cyberstalking Act to silence dissent. He described the act as a modern tool of repression, comparing it to the old colonial sedition laws once used to crush free speech.

Atiku said several Nigerians remain in detention for exercising their constitutional rights while key democratic institutions have become submissive to the executive. He accused the administration of weaponising the law to instill fear, eroding democracy, and turning free citizens into subjects.

He condemned the use of the Cyberstalking Act to target journalists and activists, calling it an attack on liberty and human rights. Atiku argued that any law preventing citizens from criticising leaders was undemocratic and contrary to the spirit of Nigeria’s constitution.

According to him, instead of addressing economic hardship, hunger, and frustration among Nigerians through dialogue, the Tinubu government has responded with force. He said peaceful protesters are treated as criminals while those granted bail are often re-arrested.

Atiku described the government’s disregard for court orders and frequent human rights violations as a clear sign of creeping tyranny. He cited the arrests of journalists and peaceful protesters as evidence that Nigeria was sliding back into authoritarian rule.

He also criticised the silence of the National Assembly and oversight institutions, accusing them of abandoning their duty to hold the executive accountable. Atiku said these bodies have become mere spectators, more interested in pleasing the president than protecting democracy.

The former vice president noted that international organisations like Amnesty International and Media Rights Agenda have repeatedly drawn attention to the suppression of free expression in Nigeria. He urged citizens to resist what he described as the growing culture of fear and intimidation.

Atiku said the 2027 general election would be a defining moment for Nigerians, predicting a battle between the Tinubu administration and the collective will of the people. He expressed confidence that, despite current challenges, no government could silence a united citizenry determined to defend its freedom.