Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant presidential pardons to 175 convicts and former convicts, calling it a “reckless abuse of power” that undermines the rule of law and rewards criminality.
In a strongly worded statement on his official X handle on Sunday, Atiku accused the Tinubu administration of turning the constitutional prerogative of mercy into a political tool that “emboldens criminals while eroding public trust in justice.”
“Ordinarily, the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative — a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with mercy and underscore the humanity of the state,” Atiku said. “When properly exercised, it strengthens public faith in governance. Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite.”
President Tinubu had on Thursday approved clemency for 175 individuals, including the late Major General Mamman Vatsa, Professor Magaji Garba, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and other members of the Ogoni Eight. The decision followed recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
However, the former Vice President faulted the inclusion of those convicted for serious crimes such as homicide, illegal mining, and financial fraud, arguing that the move weakens Nigeria’s moral and legal foundations. “The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, and corruption not only diminishes the sanctity of justice but sends a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds,” he said.
Atiku further drew attention to what he described as “the moral irony” of Tinubu’s action, referencing the long-standing allegations surrounding the President’s involvement in a U.S. court forfeiture linked to drug-related investigations. “Even more disturbing is that this act of clemency comes from a President whose past remains clouded by unresolved issues relating to the forfeiture of thousands of dollars to the United States government,” he added.
According to Atiku, the timing of the pardon is particularly troubling, given Nigeria’s struggle with moral decline, insecurity, and increasing drug abuse among its youth. “At a time when the country is battling insecurity and moral collapse, it is shocking that the government would prioritise mercy for those who have undermined national stability and social order,” he said.
Citing data suggesting that nearly 30 per cent of the pardoned individuals were convicted of drug-related crimes, Atiku labelled the move as “insensitive” and “a betrayal of the nation’s anti-drug campaign.”
“What we have witnessed is a mockery of the criminal justice system, an affront to victims, a demoralisation of law enforcement, and a grave injury to the conscience of the nation,” he said.
He concluded with a stern rebuke: “Clemency must never be confused with complicity. When a government begins to absolve offenders of the very crimes it claims to be fighting, it erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessness. Nigeria deserves a leadership that upholds justice, not one that trivialises it.
