African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi arrived in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where he was met by protesters carrying the message, "Tinubu Must Go." Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, was in Lafia as part of his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general election. The protesters reflect growing opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.
The development comes days after ADC presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the arrest and arraignment of five Nigerians in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the same inscription. Atiku demanded the immediate release of the five men, arguing that wearing a political slogan should not amount to a criminal offence in a democracy.
Atiku recalled that Tinubu, while in opposition, openly criticised and protested policies of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, including its fuel policy. He said Nigerians should similarly be free to express their dissatisfaction with the policies of the current administration. Atiku's statement was issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
The former Vice President maintained that the phrase "Tinubu Must Go" represented a political demand rather than a criminal act. He asked what kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else. Atiku also called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and ensure they had access to their families and lawyers.
The Borno State Police Command had arrested and arraigned the five men in Maiduguri over the printing and wearing of the T-shirts. The defendants are Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21. They were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
The five men pleaded not guilty when they appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri. Their lawyer subsequently filed an application seeking bail for the defendants. The presiding magistrate adjourned the case until October 6, 2026, for ruling on the bail application, while October 26, 2026, was fixed for the substantive trial.
Amaechi's meeting with the protesters in Nasarawa State is seen as a show of support for the growing opposition to President Tinubu's administration. The ADC vice-presidential candidate is one of several politicians who have expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration's policies. The 2027 general election is expected to be a crucial test for the Tinubu administration.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar condemns the arrest of five Nigerians over 'Tinubu Must Go' T-shirts.
- The five defendants in the Maiduguri case are charged with criminal conspiracy and other offences.
- Rotimi Amaechi meets protesters in Nasarawa State with 'Tinubu Must Go' message.
