Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the grievances surrounding the case of convicted separatist leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while demanding answers over the continued detention of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria.
Atiku made the call on Thursday in Abuja during his Independence Day address to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th anniversary. He said the rule of law must be applied fairly, arguing that the continued detention of El-Rufai and Sheikh Zaria raises questions about due process that the authorities should clarify.
On Kanu, Atiku said his legal rights should be respected following his conviction, while urging the government to seriously address the grievances and divisions surrounding the case.
“Following Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction, his right to lawful appeal must be respected, while the grievances and divisions surrounding his case must be addressed seriously,” he said.
The former vice-president also renewed his call for the release of five young Nigerians arrested in Borno State after wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go”. According to Atiku, political expression should not, in itself, be a basis for imprisonment.
Turning to the wider state of the nation, Atiku criticised the Tinubu administration over the cost of living, public finances, security and the extension of the 2025 budget into 2026.
He also questioned claims by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, that more than 10 million Nigerians had received ₦75,000 in cash transfers, asking the government to provide records showing how the payments were identified, processed and delivered.
Atiku further challenged the administration over borrowing, infrastructure contracts and outstanding payments to contractors and public-sector workers, while renewing his criticism of the government’s handling of economic reforms.
He said Nigerians should be able to hold government accountable for its promises and spending, and reiterated his call for an independent electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.
