By Joyce Ekeh
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release of five Nigerians reportedly arrested in Borno State for wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go,” saying citizens cannot be detained simply for expressing a political opinion.
Atiku said if the slogan was the reason for their arrest, the authorities should explain how wearing a political message had become an offence in a democracy.
The former vice president made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
The reported arrests, he said, were particularly troubling against the backdrop of rising costs of fuel, food, transportation and electricity across the country.
Atiku also recalled President Bola Tinubu’s opposition to the fuel policy of former President Goodluck Jonathan, drawing a parallel between Tinubu’s past criticism of government policy and citizens’ right to criticise his administration.
“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes.
“Parents are cutting meals. Workers can scarcely afford the journey to work. Families are being crushed by bills that rise faster than their income. And when citizens put their anger on a T-shirt, the response is reportedly an arrest,” he said.
What kind of democracy is this?
Atiku questioned what the reported arrests meant for freedom of political expression in Nigeria, arguing that citizens should be able to express opposition to government policies without fear of detention.
“What kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else?” he asked.
He described the “Tinubu Must Go” inscription as a political demand rather than a threat or criminal act, saying the President could disagree with the message without deploying state power against those expressing it.
“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime.
“President Tinubu can disagree with those words. He can campaign against them. He cannot make people disappear into custody for wearing them,” Atiku said.
The former vice president called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five reported detainees and grant them immediate access to their families and lawyers.
He further demanded their release if the political slogan was the basis for their arrest.
Atiku said the reported incident raised broader questions about the protection of freedom of expression and political dissent under Nigeria’s democratic system.
He again drew a comparison with Tinubu’s opposition to Jonathan’s policies, arguing that the same democratic space that allowed the President to criticise his predecessor should remain available to citizens who disagree with his administration.
“Tinubu was free to tell Jonathan that his policies were hurting Nigerians. Nigerians must be free to tell Tinubu that his policies are hurting them. Release these five citizens now,” Atiku said.
