Atiku Accuses Tinubu Of Undermining Justice Over Presidential Clemency

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant presidential clemency to 175 individuals, describing it as a gross abuse of the prerogative of mercy and a mockery of the justice system.

Atiku, in a statement released on his verified X handle on Sunday, warned that the President’s action “undermines the sanctity of justice” and could embolden criminality across the nation.

He argued that while the prerogative of mercy is constitutionally provided to temper justice with compassion, it must not be used carelessly or politically, saying the latest list of beneficiaries had “trivialised” the essence of justice.

President Tinubu had last Thursday granted posthumous pardons to notable Nigerians, including the late nationalist Herbert Macaulay, the late Major General Mamman Vatsa, and Maryam Sanda, who had been sentenced to death for the murder of her husband.

Atiku, however, expressed deep reservations about the inclusion of individuals convicted of severe crimes, insisting that such actions weaken public confidence in the rule of law.

“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,” he added.

The former Vice-President urged the President to ensure that future exercises of the prerogative of mercy are guided by fairness, transparency, and a commitment to justice rather than sentiment or political expediency.