Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential contender for 2023, has sparked controversy after openly endorsing Ushie Uguamaye, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who expressed disapproval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

Uguamaye, who is currently serving in Lagos State, gained notoriety for calling Tinubu a “terrible leader” and denouncing the rising expense of living in Nigeria in a video that went viral.

She apparently got threats from the NYSC after making her comments, which sparked uproar and conversations about free speech.

In a post on his social media website, Atiku commended the corps member for her bravery and called her a representation of the emerging breed of fearless Nigerian women.

He emphasised that young people are already taking the lead as future leaders and compared her to well-known campaigners like Margaret Ekpo, Gambo Sawaba, and Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti.

Atiku’s support for Uguamaye has sparked debate on social media, with some Nigerians accusing him of hypocrisy and political opportunism, questioning his performance during his tenure as vice president.

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Netizens Reactions…

@drpenking said: “Even you that has been VP for 8 years wan follow talk? How was your tenure? Don’t annoy me Sir.”

@lagosboy5050 said: “So Deborah who was lynched to death does not embody the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere. As a leader don’t always pick and choose when to be outraged.”

@DavymartinCE0  said: “But you posted on Twitter concerning Deborah, deleted it, and ran to Facebook to post in Hausa now Raye embodies………… Deborah did not ba??”

@lifeissues_11 said: “Seeing people like you and PO and Sowore rallying around her, I believe NYSC will dress back on plan to humiliate her. NJ.”

@TheManAfricano  reacted: “This won’t make people love you. You were in power for 8 years, with nothing to show for it. You have no moral right to say this Atiku.”

 @eljay_101_  commented: “Just because it wasn’t you who was criticized. All of you are the same and no matter how loud you shout I will not vote for you.“

@madu_uwa said: “She is the Nigerian many people desire to be, but fear has held them back. What she has done deserves commendations than unnecessary hostility from propaganda machinery.”

@pee_rsp said: “When we criticize the government please don’t come here to whitewash yourself. You all are the same! Different gang, Same hustle.”

@Uncle_Olu_ commented: “Normal normal, you no really care. All these one wey you dey do na eye service. Your post on Deborah will always be a dent on your name and your aspiration. Na election dey make you talk all these one.”