Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest of five Nigerians in Maiduguri, Borno State, for wearing T-shirts with the inscription "Tinubu Must Go". In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku demanded the immediate release of the detainees. He questioned how wearing a political slogan could constitute an offence in a democracy.
Atiku recalled that President Bola Tinubu, while in opposition, protested against the policies of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, including its fuel policy. He noted that Nigerians were now experiencing rising costs of fuel, food, transportation, and electricity under the Tinubu administration. Atiku argued that citizens should be free to express their grievances, just as Tinubu did during his time in opposition.
The five defendants, aged between 21 and 44, were arrested and arraigned in Maiduguri for printing and wearing the T-shirts. They were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace, and thuggery. The Borno State Police Command alleged that the offences contravened Sections 60, 78, 79, and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri.
Atiku maintained that the inscription "Tinubu Must Go" was a political demand and not a criminal act. He argued that President Tinubu can disagree with those words, campaign against them, but cannot make people disappear into custody for wearing them. Atiku called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and grant them access to their families and lawyers.
The case has been adjourned until October 6, 2026, for ruling on the bail application, while October 26, 2026, was fixed for the substantive trial. Atiku's statement has sparked concerns about the limits of free speech in Nigeria. The incident has raised questions about the government's tolerance for dissent and criticism.
Atiku's demand for the release of the detainees has been seen as a challenge to the government's authority. The former Vice President argued that Nigerians must be free to tell Tinubu that his policies are hurting them, just as Tinubu was free to criticize Jonathan's policies. He emphasized that the right to protest and express grievances is fundamental to democracy.
The incident has sparked a national debate about the state of democracy in Nigeria. Atiku's call for the release of the detainees has been supported by many Nigerians who believe that the government should not suppress dissent. The government has yet to respond to Atiku's statement, but the incident has raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in Nigeria.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar demands the immediate release of five Nigerians arrested for wearing 'Tinubu Must Go' T-shirts.
- The five defendants were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace, and thuggery.
- Atiku argues that wearing a political slogan cannot constitute an offence in a democracy.
