Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of five Nigerians reportedly arrested in Borno State in connection with T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”

Atiku made the call in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, arguing that political expression should not be criminalised in a democracy.

He urged the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five men, ensure that they have access to their families and lawyers, and release them if the political message on the T-shirts is the basis for their detention.

Recent reports indicate that the five men were arrested in Maiduguri and subsequently charged over allegations including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery. The reported police case alleges that the T-shirts were produced and worn with an intention to cause a breach of public peace.

However, Atiku said the central issue remains whether expressing opposition to a sitting president through a political slogan should attract detention.

“‘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 Draws Comparison With Tinubu’s 2012 Fuel Subsidy Protests

Atiku also drew attention to President Bola Tinubu’s opposition to the removal of petrol subsidies by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.

President Tinubu, who was then a prominent opposition figure, publicly criticised Jonathan’s subsidy removal policy during the nationwide protests that followed the decision. Atiku said the contrast between Tinubu’s past opposition to fuel-price increases and the economic pressures Nigerians face today raises important questions about political accountability and the right to dissent.

According to Atiku:

“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes.”

He said the rising cost of essentials, including fuel, food, transportation and electricity, has placed significant pressure on households and workers.

“Parents are cutting meals. Workers can scarcely afford the journey to work. Families are being crushed by bills that rise faster than their income,” Atiku said.

He questioned whether Nigerians should have less freedom to criticise government policies than political leaders had when they were in opposition.

“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.”

Call for Protection of Political Expression

Atiku said the reported arrests should prompt a broader discussion about freedom of expression, political dissent and the protection of citizens’ rights in Nigeria’s democratic system.

He maintained that citizens should be able to express disagreement with government policies and call for political change through peaceful and lawful means.

He therefore called on the relevant authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrests and ensure that the rights of the five men are protected in accordance with the law.