Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed support for a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, who claimed to have received threats after her viral video criticising President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Atiku applauded Raye’s courage, describing her as a symbol of a new generation of politically engaged women committed to advocacy and democratic participation.
“Raye embodies the spirit of a new generation of women who champion the ideals of popular participation and unwavering advocacy in the political sphere.
“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition,” Atiku wrote.
The former presidential candidate compared Raye to historic female activists such as Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, and Margaret Ekpo, all of whom played significant roles in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Atiku advocated for support rather than hatred towards Raye.
“Rather than being met with hostility, Raye deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of the Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future,” Atiku said.
Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently gained attention after a video she posted opposing government policies went viral.
She then claimed to have received threats from NYSC officials, urging her to remove the video.
In a video released on her TikTok account, #talktoraye, on Saturday, Raye expressed unhappiness with Nigeria’s deteriorating economic position, saying that hard effort no longer ensures financial stability.
She lambasted Tinubu’s leadership, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned the government’s commitment to alleviating citizens’ suffering.
