Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced his support for Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye, an NYSC member who claimed she received threats after her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Atiku, in a statement shared on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, described Raye as a symbol of a new generation of politically active Nigerian women, advocating for democratic participation and accountability.
“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
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 Abubakar (@atiku) March 16, 2025
Raye, a corps member serving in Lagos, recently made headlines after her TikTok video went viral, in which she criticised the government’s economic policies and described Tinubu as a “terrible leader.”
In the video posted on her TikTok handle, #talktoraye, on Saturday, she lamented Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, arguing that hard work no longer guarantees financial security.
She further questioned the government’s commitment to easing the hardships faced by citizens, sparking intense reactions online.
Following the video’s circulation, Raye claimed she had received threats from NYSC officials, who allegedly pressured her to take down the post.