Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release of five Nigerians arrested in Borno State over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Atiku, through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, said the arrest raised serious questions about freedom of expression, particularly if the political slogan was the basis for the detention.
The five men were arrested in Maiduguri and subsequently arraigned over allegations including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbing public peace and thuggery, according to a police First Information Report.
Reacting to the development, Atiku challenged the authorities to explain how wearing a T-shirt carrying a political message could constitute a criminal offence in a democracy.
He also drew a comparison between President Bola Tinubu’s past opposition to fuel subsidy policies under former President Goodluck Jonathan and the current economic hardship confronting Nigerians.
According to Atiku, Tinubu had previously joined Nigerians in protesting against fuel price increases, but now presides over an economy where the rising cost of fuel, food, transportation and electricity has placed additional pressure on households.
“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes,” Atiku said.
He added that many parents were struggling to feed their families, while workers were finding it increasingly difficult to afford transportation to their places of work.
Atiku questioned whether citizens who express dissatisfaction with government policies should face arrest simply for putting their views on clothing.
“What kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else?” he asked.
The former vice president maintained that “Tinubu Must Go” was a political expression and not a weapon or threat.
“President Tinubu can disagree with those words. He can campaign against them. He cannot make people disappear into custody for wearing them,” he said.
Atiku called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees, ensure they have access to their families and lawyers, and release them if the political slogan was the reason for their arrest.
“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,” he demanded.
The arrests have drawn reactions from opposition groups and rights advocates. Amnesty International has also condemned the detention, while the Borno chapter of the African Democratic Congress described the arrests as an infringement on political expression.
