Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of surpassing the oppressive tactics of Nigeria’s past military regimes.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Atiku called on the government to redirect its intimidation efforts towards those responsible for violence in the country, rather than targeting civil society and labour leaders.
Atiku’s remarks follow the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, as Ajaero was en route to the UK for official duties. Ajaero was held for several hours and released later that night. The same day, the DSS also raided the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
Atiku expressed grave concern over the increasing assault on civil society under Tinubu’s administration, stating, “The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing. The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.”
He further denounced the arrest of Ajaero, describing it as part of a broader campaign to intimidate and suppress organised labour. He said,
“The recent arrest of Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, en route to an official event, epitomises this regime’s relentless campaign to intimidate and subdue organised labour.”
Atiku also condemned the DSS raid on SERAP’s office, asserting that such actions are fundamentally opposed to democratic principles.
“This siege is anathema to the principles of freedom and justice,” he wrote, adding that the Tinubu administration should focus its efforts on fighting terrorists and bandits, rather than targeting those advocating for human rights.
Atiku concluded by urging the government to uphold democratic values and protect civil liberties, rather than infringing on the rights of citizens and organisations.