By Silas Shentukwak Boi
The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has called on the federal government to release the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Yusuf Usman, on self-recognition. The call was made by LND spokesman Dr. Ladan Salihu during an appearance on Albarka Radio’s current affairs program, Top of the Day.
Dr. Salihu criticized the continued detention of Prof. Usman despite his eligibility for bail, arguing that he was being persecuted for “speaking truth to power.”
He alleged that the trial of the former NHIS boss was a deliberate attempt to silence not only him but also other voices critical of the government.
“The LND is against his continued detention without granting him bail, thereby causing a lot of suffering and anguish to his family. And it appears to be an attempt to silence him,” Salihu stated.
He further accused the government of selective justice, arguing that past governors, senators, and ministers with allegations of corruption involving billions of naira were walking free, while Prof. Usman remained in detention for lesser accusations.
“The government and EFCC will lose nothing if they ensure the release of Prof. Usman. The reason is that there are individuals who have committed worse crimes than what they are allegedly charging him with, and they are still roaming the streets. There are governors, ministers, and senators who have cases with the EFCC involving billions of naira,” he added.
Dr. Salihu warned that the government must not be allowed to stifle opposition voices, as democracy thrives on accountability and constructive criticism.
In reaction to a statement made by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, suggesting that the North should not field a candidate in the 2027 presidential election and instead allow President Bola Tinubu to complete an eight-year term.
Ladan Salihu rejected Ganduje’s stance, asserting that the APC chairman does not speak for the North.
“It is quite unfortunate for the APC chairman to make such an assertion, but the North and Nigerians should be allowed to decide their future leadership,” he said.
The LND reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring that voices of opposition are not silenced in Nigeria’s political landscape.