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Tinubu’s presidential pardon emboldens criminality – Atiku

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Tinubu’s presidential pardon emboldens criminality – Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s latest use of the presidential pardon, describing it as a reckless act that undermines justice and accountability.

In a statement posted on his X handle, yesterday, Atiku said the presidential prerogative of mercy is meant to balance justice with compassion, not to trivialise criminality.

He faulted the most recent round of pardons, saying it has reduced the process “to a mere triviality.”

President Tinubu had, on Thursday, granted clemency to 175 convicts and former convicts, including the late Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and other members of the Ogoni Eight.

According to a statement from the Presidency, the decision followed recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

The clemency also covered persons convicted of serious crimes such as homicide, illegal mining, and fraud.

Reacting, Atiku condemned the inclusion of such offenders, arguing that it undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system and, in his words, “emboldens criminality.”

He maintained that the exercise of clemency should never become an accomplice to crime or erode the foundations of 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 stated.

“When properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance. Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite.

“The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption 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.”

He added that at a time when Nigeria is battling insecurity, moral decline, and rising drug-related offences, it was “both shocking and indefensible” for the Presidency to prioritise clemency for individuals who have undermined national stability and social order.

Atiku described as particularly worrying the revelation that about 29.2 per cent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes, noting that the move was insensitive to the nation’s struggle against narcotics and the vulnerability of Nigerian youths.

“Even more disturbing,” he said, “is the moral irony 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 over drug-related investigations.”

The former Vice President noted that a presidential pardon should symbolise restitution and moral reform, not mockery of justice.

“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.

“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.”

The post Tinubu’s presidential pardon emboldens criminality – Atiku appeared first on Vanguard News.


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PDP endorses Ombugadu as Nasarawa governorship candidate for 2027 elections

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has affirmed former House of Representatives member, Dr David Emmanuel Ombugadu, as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.

The decision was reached during the party’s governorship primary held on Friday at the state party secretariat in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, where party leaders unanimously endorsed him through a voice vote.

Declaring the outcome, the chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga, said Ombugadu was the only aspirant presented for the exercise, describing the process as smooth and based on internal political understanding.

He also commended party members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and acknowledged the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and party stakeholders who witnessed the process.

Following the voice vote, Ombugadu was declared the PDP governorship candidate for Nasarawa State in 2027.

Reacting after his affirmation, Ombugadu expressed appreciation to party leaders and members for their support, saying the endorsement had formally changed his status from aspirant to candidate.

“May I say that the reason why we are here, we came here as aspirants, but by your support and endorsement, you have converted our status to a candidate. I want to say thank you very much,” he said.

He added that he had consulted widely with stakeholders across the state and received backing from party elders and key political actors.

Ombugadu also acknowledged support from party leaders, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as a key figure in the party structure, as well as members of the state working committee.

He further announced Hon. Yahaya Ohinoyi as his running mate and promised to run an inclusive campaign aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of the people of Nasarawa State.




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2027: Ex-Oyo Deputy Governor, Gbolarumi wins PDP guber ticket

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A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, has emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Gbolarumi emerged during the election held across the 33 local government areas in the state.

The election was held on Sunday.

Chairman of the PDP gubernatorial primary election in the state, Mr Tolulope Awoniyi, made the declaration after the collation of the election results.

The collation of the results was done at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ibadan on Sunday.

The collation of results was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the Head of Department of Election and Party Monitoring, INEC Oyo State, Engineer Olugbenga Keshinro, members of the party across the state, and security agents.

Awoniyi, while announcing the result of the election on Sunday evening, noted that Gbolarumi scored a total of 3,615 votes to emerge as the winner.

He said that Barrister Beulah Adeoye scored a total of 22 votes.

He added that only two aspirants contested the election.

Awoniyi, while speaking, said, “The total number of registered members is 3,694. The total number of accredited voters is 3,640.

“Total number of scores by candidates: Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi scored a total of 3,615 votes. Amofin Beulah Adeoye scored 22 votes.

“Going by the results, by the power conferred on me as the Chairman of the PDP gubernatorial election in Oyo State, I hereby declare Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi as the winner of the election, having scored the highest number of votes.”




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2027: Ogun state needs Ladi Adebutu to move forward – Toyin Amuzu

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State and the flag bearer of the party for the House of Representatives in Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Toyin Amuzu, has described the governorship candidate of the party, Oladipupo Adebutu, as a credible and competent leader who possesses the integrity and capacity needed to move Ogun State forward.

Amuzu stressed that the PDP candidate remains one of the most experienced and prepared politicians to lead the state “at this critical period.”

Recall that on Sunday, Oladipupo Adebutu emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.

Reacting, Amuzu stated that Adebutu’s long-standing commitment to the welfare of the people, his accessibility, and deep understanding of governance distinguish him as the right choice for Ogun residents.

In his words, “Chief Ladi Adebutu is a man of integrity, humility, and proven leadership capacity, with no baggage of deceit or dishonesty. He has consistently demonstrated genuine concern for the wellbeing of the people using his personal resources and has remained committed to the development of Ogun State,” Amuzu stated.

The PDP stalwart further described Adebutu as a true son of the soil whose roots and contributions to the growth of Ogun State are widely acknowledged across the state.

Amuzu maintained that Ogun State deserves a leader with credibility, honesty, and a clear vision for development, adding that Adebutu, as a thoroughbred indigene, possesses the qualities required to reposition the state economically and socially.

“Leadership must be built on truth, competence, and compassion for the people. Chief Adebutu has shown over the years that he understands the challenges facing the people and has the experience to provide practical solutions.”

He also reaffirmed his confidence in the Peoples Democratic Party, describing the PDP as a party committed to people-oriented governance and democratic ideals.

Amuzu urged party members and residents of the state to unite behind Adebutu’s candidacy in order to ensure victory for the PDP in the 2027 governorship election, expressing optimism that the party would provide purposeful leadership capable of addressing unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship confronting the people.




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