Usman Yusuf Accuses President Tinubu of Attempting to Suppress Democracy in Nigeria

Usman Yusuf accuses Tinubu. Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Usman Yusuf, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of trying to silence opposition voices and destroy democracy in Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Sunday, Yusuf alleged that his recent detention was part of a deliberate plan to intimidate him and others who criticize the government.

StartSmart Nigeria recalls that in February 2025, Yusuf was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of alleged fraud. He pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge before Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

Details of Usman Yusuf’s Arrest and Detention

Reflecting on his ordeal, Yusuf shared that his experience at Kuje Correctional Centre turned into a period of “deep reflection and spiritual renewal.”

Narrating his arrest, Yusuf said:

“On January 29th, around 6:30 PM, my wife told me some men had walked into our house. They claimed to be from the EFCC but did not immediately identify themselves. After showing their badges, they insisted on taking me away without allowing me to change clothes.”

Yusuf recounted being squeezed between two officers in a bus — one armed and the other a younger agent who, according to him, celebrated the arrest as if he were “a notorious criminal like Kachalla Bello Turji.”

He explained that after spending six days at the EFCC facility, he was arraigned but denied bail because the judge handling his case was reportedly ill. This led to an additional 24 days spent at Kuje prison.

“The denial of bail was wrong,” Yusuf stressed. “Bail is a constitutionally guaranteed right for any accused person except in capital offence or terrorism cases — and mine was neither.”

He accused the government of deliberately denying him bail to “shake him up” and suppress dissenting voices.

Accusations Against President Tinubu’s Administration

Usman Yusuf firmly stated that his arrest and detention were part of a broader strategy by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to silence critics and opposition.

“This government deliberately tried to intimidate me and others who oppose their actions. President Tinubu, who once fought against military rule, is now trying to turn Nigeria into a one-party dictatorship,” he said.

He warned that the administration’s actions pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and urged citizens to resist attempts to stifle free speech.

“Criticising the government is a legitimate right in a democracy. We will not allow Nigeria to be turned into a one-party state,” Yusuf emphasized.

Background on Usman Yusuf’s NHIS Tenure

Appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016, Yusuf’s leadership at NHIS was mired in controversy. He faced suspensions in 2017 and 2018 over allegations of corruption and administrative misconduct. In 2019, he was officially dismissed from the NHIS.

Despite the controversies, Yusuf remains a vocal figure in Nigeria’s political discourse, frequently criticizing policies he believes undermine democratic governance.

Conclusion

Usman Yusuf’s allegations highlight growing concerns about freedom of speech and the health of democracy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. As more critics raise their voices, it remains to be seen how the government will handle dissent moving forward.

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