Presidential Pardon: Tinubu Government Acts Before Thinking, Says Atiku

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its decision to revoke the controversial presidential pardon earlier granted to some convicted individuals, including those found guilty of serious crimes such as drug trafficking and kidnapping.

Atiku, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the move as “acting before thinking,” accusing the Tinubu government of incompetence and policy recklessness.

In a statement issued Wednesday evening, Shaibu said the U-turn on the presidential pardon exposed the administration’s habitual lack of foresight and coordination.

“Once again, Nigerians have witnessed a government that doesn’t lead — it reacts,” Atiku said.

“This U-turn is not an act of wisdom; it’s an act of shame. If Nigerians had kept quiet, would convicted drug lords and kidnappers be walking free today under the President’s blessing?”

The former Vice President demanded full disclosure on how the original list of pardon beneficiaries was compiled, describing the entire process as “an absurdity.”

“Who compiled the list? What criteria justified freeing kidnappers and drug offenders? Where was the Attorney-General when this madness was being prepared?” he queried.

Atiku said the incident was another example of what he called the Tinubu administration’s “trial-and-error approach” to governance.

“This pattern has become too familiar — announce the unthinkable, watch the country erupt, then hurriedly reverse course as if governance is a game of trial and error,” he said.

He argued that the essence of a presidential pardon was being desecrated by political carelessness and lack of accountability.

“A presidential pardon is not a social experiment. It is a sacred constitutional power meant to reflect justice, mercy, and national interest — not to reward impunity or test public patience,” Atiku added.

He called on the federal government to publish the full list of those initially considered for clemency — including details of their offences and the officials who endorsed the recommendation — to promote transparency and accountability.

“If the President truly means well, let him publish the list of all those who were meant to benefit from this scandal. Let Nigerians see the names, the crimes, and the hands that signed off on this reckless indulgence,” Atiku said.

He dismissed the government’s reversal as mere “damage control” aimed at saving face after public outrage.

“Until then, this cancellation is nothing but damage control — too little, too late,” the statement added. (SaharaReporters)