The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have condemned the recent presidential pardon granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dozens of convicted criminals, including drug traffickers, smugglers, kidnappers, and individuals convicted of corruption and murder. Both parties describe the decision as reckless, shameful, and a serious affront to Nigeria’s justice system, anti-drug efforts, and international credibility.
In a scathing statement, the ADC called the move “pathetic and a national disgrace,” warning that it dangerously undermines Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against drug trafficking, at a time when the country remains a known transit hub for illicit drugs and faces a worsening drug abuse epidemic—particularly among its youth.
The ADC noted with alarm that many of the pardoned individuals had served barely two years of life sentences, asserting that such leniency amounts to a gross abuse of the presidential prerogative of mercy. “This clemency does not serve justice, nor is it rooted in any visible social utility,” said Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary. “It is a mockery of justice and a betrayal of the sacrifices made by our law enforcement agencies who risk their lives to arrest, prosecute, and secure convictions against these criminals.”
Echoing this sentiment, Atiku Abubakar described the pardons as a “mockery of the criminal justice system and an affront to victims,” stressing that the act erodes public trust in the government’s commitment to law, order, and accountability. He noted the profound irony that nearly 30% of those pardoned were convicted of drug-related crimes—at a time when Nigeria’s drug use rate, at 14.4%, is nearly three times the global average.
“This is a country already grappling with insecurity, moral decay, and a youth population devastated by addiction. What message does this send when those directly responsible for these crises are handed clemency?” Atiku asked. “A presidential pardon is meant to symbolize moral reform and rehabilitation, not offer a safe escape for hardened criminals.”
Particularly disturbing, the ADC pointed out, is that such clemency sends shockwaves beyond Nigeria’s borders. “It undercuts Nigeria’s international partnerships in the global fight against narcotics and paints the image of a nation that sympathizes with drug traffickers—possibly even providing a safe haven for them,” the statement warned.
The ADC also questioned the moral legitimacy of this act, considering President Tinubu’s past controversies related to unexplained asset forfeitures linked to drug investigations in the United States. “It appears this administration has an alarming tolerance for individuals with ties to criminal enterprise,” the ADC said.
The coalition party further warned that by offering pardons for serious crimes such as drug trafficking, gun running, and even murder—on the basis of ‘remorse’ or vocational training—the presidency is effectively normalizing impunity and redefining Nigeria’s moral compass.
“Make no mistake,” the ADC stated, “this is not justice. It is complicity. Clemency granted without discernment and accountability emboldens criminals, undermines the judiciary, and demoralizes law enforcement.”
Atiku concluded: “Nigeria deserves leadership that upholds justice—not one that trivializes it. A nation cannot fight crime with one hand while pardoning criminals with the other.”
Both the ADC and Atiku affirmed their commitment to advocating for a just, accountable, and morally responsible Nigeria, warning that continued abuse of constitutional powers for political expediency threatens the very fabric of the nation.
