Atiku Condemns VDM’s Arrest, Accuses Tinubu
By DAYO ADESULU
Atiku Describes EFCC’s Action as Abuse of Power
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticised the arrest and continued detention of popular social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Atiku described the development as a blatant abuse of power and a dangerous signal of political repression under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued on Monday, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate warned that the EFCC’s actions mark a disturbing shift towards authoritarianism and represent a direct violation of constitutional rights.
Violation of Due Process and Basic Rights, Says Atiku
According to Atiku, VDM’s prolonged detention without formal charges contradicts the principles of justice and due process, which are guaranteed by Nigeria’s Constitution. He argued that the EFCC’s move not only breaches the influencer’s rights but also discourages open political discourse and criticism of those in power.
“This latest episode is part of a disturbing pattern: the Tinubu regime’s relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians,” the former vice president said.
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He added that citizens’ rights to express their opinions, whether online or offline, are under siege. Atiku warned that if left unchecked, such state-sponsored repression could eventually undermine Nigeria’s democratic framework.
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Crackdown on Critics While Political Loyalists Walk Free
Atiku further expressed dismay over what he described as a double standard in the enforcement of justice. He pointed out that individuals loyal to the government, even when facing credible corruption allegations, are often shielded from accountability, while critics are swiftly targeted by security agencies.
“While security agencies are swift to target dissenters and critics, frequently disregarding due process, political loyalists with serious corruption allegations walk free,” he asserted.
This selective justice, he said, reinforces a climate of impunity and threatens to erode public confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.
Warning Against Normalising State-Sponsored Repression
Atiku urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and not allow the normalization of state-backed intimidation and arrests. He described the actions of the EFCC and other government institutions as indicative of a broader agenda to suppress voices of opposition and silence independent thinkers.
He stated, “We must not allow state-sponsored repression to become the defining character of our democracy.”
He called on civil society groups, the media, and all defenders of democracy to speak out against such infringements and ensure that constitutional freedoms are upheld across the country.
Tinubu Administration Under Fire Over Free Speech
This is not the first time the Tinubu-led administration has been accused of stifling freedom of speech. Since taking office in 2023, several media personalities, activists, and online influencers have faced scrutiny or legal actions for their outspoken views. Critics argue that the government appears increasingly intolerant of dissent, particularly from young Nigerians using social media platforms to demand accountability.
The detention of VeryDarkMan has ignited fierce public debate, with many youth-led advocacy groups demanding his immediate release. On social media, hashtags such as #FreeVeryDarkMan and #JusticeForVDM have trended for days.
A Call for Rule of Law and Democratic Accountability
Atiku’s statement concluded with a strong call for respect for the rule of law, urging the EFCC and other security agencies to act within the bounds of the Constitution. He emphasized that no democracy can thrive where fear and suppression are used to silence opposition voices.
“We must build a system where critics are not criminalised, and accountability is pursued without bias,” he added.
Key Takeaways:
- Atiku Abubakar condemns EFCC’s detention of social media influencer VeryDarkMan.
- Labels the move a sign of growing political repression under President Tinubu.
- Accuses the government of ignoring due process for critics while shielding loyalists.
- Urges Nigerians and democratic institutions to resist authoritarian tendencies.
