Presidency Condemns Atiku Abubakar’s Support for Corps Member Who Criticized Tinubu

Calls It ‘Poor Politics’ and a Breach of NYSC Conduct

The Presidency has strongly criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for supporting Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, a corps member who publicly referred to President Bola Tinubu as “terrible.”

Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, had earlier expressed support for Raye, praising her as a “shining emblem of Nigerian youth” and commending her boldness in speaking truth to power.

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,” Atiku stated.

SGF George Akume Distances Himself From Corruption Allegations

Presidency Criticizes Atiku’s Support for Raye

Reacting to Atiku’s remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, described his support as “poor politics” and a violation of the principles of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Ajayi, in a post on his Facebook handle on Sunday, criticized Atiku for endorsing indiscipline, arguing that NYSC members are bound by a strict code of conduct.

“A former Vice President of a country and perennial presidential contestant, who will likely run to be President at 80 in another two years from now, should not be seen supporting and celebrating bad behaviour and indiscipline by a Corps member who breached her code of conduct,” Ajayi wrote.

NYSC Code of Conduct and Free Speech Debate

Ajayi further explained that while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, certain institutions—including the military, police, paramilitary organizations, and civil service—have internal rules that forbid public criticism of the government.

“This is not a matter of free speech and right of expression. NYSC is a regimented service with a strict code of behaviour.

“Members of the armed forces, police, paramilitary institutions, and civil servants are citizens with rights and freedom of expression, yet their rules of engagement forbid them from publicly speaking against the government,” he added.

The Presidency maintained that any corps member who violates NYSC rules should be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

Atiku’s Support Sparks Political Controversy

Ajayi argued that Atiku’s endorsement of Raye’s remarks was politically motivated and inappropriate for a former Vice President.

“Anyone that wants to be a deviant should be ready to face the consequences. It is poor politics for a former Vice President of Nigeria—a symbol of authority—to endorse any form of bad behaviour, no matter how convenient,” he concluded.

Public Reactions and Ongoing Debate

Atiku’s support for Raye has sparked debates on free speech, political opposition, and the role of corps members in national discourse. While his supporters praise him for defending youth voices, critics argue that his stance encourages indiscipline and political bias within the NYSC scheme.

As discussions continue, many Nigerians await whether NYSC authorities will take disciplinary action against Raye or if the controversy will subside with time.