Atiku Condemns Sowore’s Arrest, Says Tinubu’s Government Treats Dissent as Crime

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and several other citizens who were reportedly detained while protesting peacefully in different parts of the country.

In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Atiku expressed dismay over the incident, describing it as a blatant attack on democracy and the rule of law.

“I have just been informed of the arrest of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, as well as several other citizens who were peacefully protesting across the country. I am shocked and disappointed, but not surprised,” Atiku wrote.

He criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of treating dissent as a crime despite its own history of activism.

“Shocked that in 2025, decades after we defeated military rule, this government still treats dissent as a crime. Disappointed because those in power today once thrived on protests,” he stated.

Atiku described Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom as “a new low” and “an open assault on democracy,” urging the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.

“The arrest of other peaceful protesters across the country only deepens the stain. Protest is not a crime; it is a constitutional right,” he said.

The former vice president further called on the government to stop what he termed “persistent harassment of dissenting voices,” warning that democracy cannot coexist with tyranny.