Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s government for what he called an increasing clampdown on freedom of speech, citing the case of influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan.
In a post shared on X, Atiku criticized the EFCC for detaining Otse without pressing any formal charges.
He called the arrest a sign of political persecution driven by the administration’s fear of opposing voices.
“The detention of Mr Otse, an outspoken critic, is not only unlawful but reveals the government’s growing intolerance for opposing views,” Atiku wrote.
He expressed concern that Nigeria’s democratic principles are being eroded, with the government using state machinery to stifle critical opinions, especially from those who refuse to align with the ruling party.
Atiku emphasized that silence in the face of such abuse could embolden further violations.
He also condemned what he referred to as selective justice, where allies of the government face no consequences despite serious allegations, while critics are aggressively pursued.
Labelling the development “a disgrace to democratic governance,” Atiku called on Nigerians to stand against what he views as an emerging culture of repression and impunity.
