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Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has strongly condemned the arrest of revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, describing it as a worrying development for Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi revealed that Sheikh Umar was detained shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday, a move he said reflects the growing threats to freedom of speech and movement in the country.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue,” Obi stated.
He emphasised that Nigeria must remain committed to the principles of freedom and free expression, which he described as the hallmarks of every democratic society. “Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, and this Nigerian government must understand this fact,” he added.
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Obi urged all authorities and individuals in positions of power to respect the rule of law and democratic tenets in their dealings with citizens.
“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens,” he said.
The former governor’s statement comes amid growing concerns over civil liberties in the country, particularly regarding the treatment of citizens who are perceived as political opponents or critics of the government.
By issuing this condemnation, Obi has placed the government under renewed scrutiny, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting democratic freedoms in Nigeria.
