Tinubu’s Reversal on Pardon Policy Sparks Criticism from Atiku’s Aide

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, has criticised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a “reactionary” and “embarrassing” reversal of the presidential pardon earlier granted to convicted drug traffickers, kidnappers, and other serious offenders.

In a statement issued yesterday, Shaibu accused the administration of lacking foresight and moral conviction, noting that the decision to revoke the clemency came only after widespread public outrage.

“Once again, Nigerians have witnessed a government that doesn’t lead but reacts. President Tinubu has rescinded his own pardon for drug traffickers, kidnappers, and other hardened criminals — but only after Nigerians shouted loud enough to wake him from his moral slumber,” he said.

He described the President’s move as “an act of shame, not wisdom,” and questioned the process that produced the controversial list of pardoned individuals.

Shaibu demanded clarification on who compiled the list, the criteria used to select beneficiaries, and the role of the Attorney-General of the Federation in the exercise.

“This pattern has become too familiar — announce the unthinkable, wait for public outrage, then reverse course as if governance were a game of trial and error,” he added.

According to him, a presidential pardon “is not a social experiment” but a constitutional duty that should embody justice, mercy, and national interest.

Shaibu further urged the government to publish the names and offences of those initially slated for pardon, arguing that transparency was the only way to regain public confidence.

“If the President truly means well, let him release the list of those meant to benefit from this scandal. Until then, this reversal remains mere damage control — too little, too late,” he stated.

He concluded that the incident reflects what he called the administration’s “governance without foresight, without empathy, and without shame.”