Atiku Abubakar Condemns Sowore’s Arrest, Calls It “An Open Assault On Democracy”

Abuja, Nigeria– Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of Nigerian human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, describing the act as a dangerous attack on democratic values and the rule of law.

In a statement on Thursday, Atiku said he was “shocked and disappointed” to learn of Sowore’s arrest by the Nigeria Police, alongside several other citizens who were peacefully protesting in different parts of the country.

“I am shocked and disappointed, but not surprised. Shocked that in 2025, decades after we defeated military rule, this government still treats dissent as a crime,” Atiku said.

“Disappointed because those in power today once thrived on protests. But not surprised, for Bola Tinubu continues to show Nigerians exactly who he is and what he intends to be, if we allow him.”

The former Vice-President described Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom as “a new low, an open assault on democracy and a grave symbol of this administration’s contempt for the rule of law.”

He further condemned the arrest of peaceful protesters across the country, insisting that “protest is not a crime; it is a constitutional right.”

Atiku called for the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore and others detained during and after the protest, urging the government to stop the harassment of dissenting voices.

“This government must end its persistent persecution of critics. Democracy cannot coexist with tyranny,” he said.