Atiku blasts Tinubu’s ‘reckless presidential pardon,’ says it undermines justice, rewards criminality 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to grant presidential pardon to several convicted persons, describing the move as “reckless,” “morally indefensible,” and “a grave injury to the conscience of the nation.”

 

In a statement issued on Sunday, Atiku said the presidential clemency extended to individuals convicted of serious crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption amounted to an endorsement of criminality and a betrayal of justice.

 

“The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes… not only diminishes the sanctity of justice but also sends a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds,” Atiku said.

 

The former vice president argued that the presidential power of pardon is meant to temper justice with mercy, not to “mock the criminal justice system.” He noted that nearly 30 percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related offences, describing it as particularly troubling given Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with narcotics abuse and trafficking.

 

Atiku also took aim at what he called the “moral irony” of the decision, referencing President Tinubu’s own controversial past over alleged drug-related forfeitures 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 said.

 

He warned that by absolving offenders of the very crimes the government claims to be fighting, the Tinubu administration was “eroding the moral authority of leadership and emboldening lawlessness.”

 

“Clemency must never be confused with complicity,” Atiku added. “Nigeria deserves a leadership that upholds justice, not one that trivializes it.”

 

The presidency has yet to respond to Atiku’s remarks. The latest round of pardons—reportedly covering dozens of inmates nationwide—has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning the transparency and motives behind the selections.