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Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2027 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded the release of five Nigerians arrested in Borno State over “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts and a probe into the death of three persons in a Niger State Government House stampede.
The demands were contained in separate statements issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu.
On the Borno incident, Atiku questioned the arrest of the five men for wearing T-shirts bearing a political message, insisting that citizens must be free to express opposition to government policies.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu had opposed fuel-price increases under former President Goodluck Jonathan and said Nigerians should enjoy the same freedom to criticise the current administration.
“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.
Atiku said families were struggling with rising food, transport and electricity costs and questioned why expressing frustration through a political slogan should attract arrest.
“What kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else?” he asked.
According to him, “‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime.”
He urged the authorities to grant the five men access to their families and lawyers and release them if the slogan was the basis for their arrest.
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“Nigerians must be free to tell Tinubu that his policies are hurting them. Release these five citizens now,” Atiku said.
On the Niger incident, the former Vice President called on the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of three persons in a stampede at the Government House.
He mourned the victims, saying they should be remembered as people “with names, families and futures” rather than statistics.
“Three Nigerians reportedly went to a Government House and did not return home. I mourn them with their families.”
Atiku said reports that people rushed towards the prospect of receiving N10,000 underscored the economic pressure facing many households, but maintained that government assistance must be distributed safely and with dignity.
“Desperation must never be met with a distribution arrangement that puts lives at risk.”
He cautioned against blaming the victims and demanded answers on how the tragedy occurred and what would be done to prevent a recurrence.
“A nation cannot call itself prosperous while its citizens risk their lives for N10,000,” Atiku said.
