Atiku slams VeryDarkMan’s arrest, accuses Tinubu’s govt of political repression

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the arrest and detention of social commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement shared via his official X handle on Monday, May 5, Atiku described the action as “another blatant abuse of power” by the Bola Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of turning political repression into a trademark of governance.

The former presidential candidate expressed concern over what he sees as a troubling pattern where “security agencies are quick to target dissenters and critics, often in complete disregard of due process,” while individuals aligned with the government and facing serious allegations of corruption continue to walk free, “trading sycophancy for immunity.”

Read his statement below reads below:

‘’The arrest and continued detention of social media influencer and outspoken critic, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is yet another blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration, which has made political repression a hallmark of its rule.

Even more alarming is the fact that Mr. Otse remains in custody without any formal charges is a flagrant violation of his constitutional rights and a chilling reminder of the growing authoritarianism under this government.

This latest episode is part of a disturbing pattern: the Tinubu regime’s relentless assault on the fundamental freedoms of Nigerians, particularly those who dare to speak truth to power or align with the political opposition.

We must not allow state-sponsored repression to become the defining character of our democracy.

While security agencies are quick to target dissenters and critics, often in complete disregard of due process, political loyalists with credible allegations of corruption walk free, trading sycophancy for immunity.

The Tinubu administration’s systematic crackdown on opposition voices is nothing short of disgraceful. It is an affront to democratic norms and must be fiercely condemned and resisted. —AA”