Atiku slams Tinubu over presidential pardon, says action emboldens criminals

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent grant of presidential pardon, describing it as a reckless abuse of executive power that weakens the justice system and emboldens criminality in the country.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Atiku said the decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of serious crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption was both “shocking and indefensible.”

He argued that the essence of a presidential pardon — a constitutional prerogative meant to temper justice with mercy — had been grossly misused by the Tinubu administration. According to him, the act has diminished the sanctity of justice and sent the wrong message to Nigerians and the international community about the government’s moral values.

“At a time when Nigeria continues to reel under insecurity, moral decay, and rising drug-related offences, it is deeply troubling that the presidency would prioritize clemency for those whose actions have undermined national stability and social order,” the statement read.

Atiku cited reports indicating that nearly 30 percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes, describing the move as particularly insensitive given the country’s ongoing struggle with narcotics abuse and its tarnished global image on drug issues.

The former vice president also drew attention to what he called “the moral irony” of the decision, referencing past controversies surrounding President Tinubu’s alleged links to drug-related investigations in the United States.

“It is, therefore, no surprise that this administration continues to demonstrate a worrying tolerance for individuals associated with criminal enterprise,” he stated.

Atiku warned that the pardon had made a “mockery of the criminal justice system,” discouraged law enforcement agencies, and dishonoured victims of serious crimes.

“Clemency must never be confused with complicity,” he said. “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.”

The former vice president concluded by urging Nigerians to demand a leadership that upholds justice and integrity.

“Nigeria deserves a leadership that strengthens justice, not one that trivializes it,” Atiku said.