RismadarVoice Reporters
January 12, 2026
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government to immediately release a social media critic of the Bola Tinubu administration, Abubakar Salim Musa, popularly known as @AM_Saleeeem on X.
Atiku made the call in a post shared on his verified X handle on Monday, condemning what he described as a growing pattern of repression and intolerance for dissent under the current administration.
The former Vice President reacted to a statement by Amnesty International Nigeria, which disclosed on Sunday that Musa was arbitrarily arrested on the evening of January 11, 2026, and subsequently remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre ahead of prosecution.
According to Amnesty International, Musa is facing what it described as “bogus charges” and a “sham trial,” stressing that his detention highlights increasing threats to freedom of expression in Nigeria, particularly for young people who express critical views online.
“Musa did not commit any crime. The harassment he is facing is clearly aimed at silencing him. It is perfectly within his right to criticize any government official, no matter their position or status,” the organization said.
Reacting, Atiku described Musa’s arrest as “yet another disturbing example of the Tinubu administration – baring its fangs against dissent, whether expressed through public protests or online criticism.”
According to him, Musa’s only offence was his “consistent and legitimate criticism of the worsening security situation in Northern Nigeria and across the country.”
Rather than addressing the concerns raised, Atiku accused the government of resorting to intimidation, noting Amnesty International’s description of the charges as baseless and the legal process as unjust.
He further alleged that the incident was part of a broader pattern, claiming that journalists, entertainers, schoolchildren, National Youth Service Corps members, and other citizens had been arrested, assaulted, or intimidated for criticizing the President or members of his family.
“This dangerous trend undermines the very foundations of democracy, which rest on the protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression,” Atiku said.
He warned that Nigeria could not lay claim to democratic ideals while citizens are routinely harassed for expressing dissent, especially as the country approaches another general election cycle.
“As the nation approaches a critical general election, neither the people nor the opposition can operate effectively in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” he added.
Atiku called on the Federal Government to “immediately and unconditionally release Abubakar Salim Musa and all others detained, simply for exercising their constitutional rights.”
He also appealed to the international community to intervene, urging countries and organizations that promote democracy and human rights to hold the Nigerian government accountable.
“I encourage fellow patriots, civil society organisations and Nigerians of conscience to stand firmly against any further erosion of our freedoms,” he said.
