By Emmanuel Thomas l Wednesday, Sept 30, 2026
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of five Nigerians reportedly arrested in Borno State for wearing T-shirts bearing the political slogan “Tinubu Must Go.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku criticized the detention of citizens exercising their democratic rights to free expression.
Atiku called on security agencies to state the offence committed by the detainees and explain how wearing a political shirt constitutes a crime in a constitutional democracy.
Drawing a sharp contrast with Nigeria’s political history, the former Vice President recalled that President Bola Tinubu actively participated in public demonstrations against fuel price hikes under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He questioned why similar rights to peaceful protest and expression are now being curtailed.
”Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes,” Atiku stated. “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 added: “What kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else?”
’Political Demand is Not a Crime’
Emphasizing that political opposition remains a core pillar of democratic governance, Atiku argued that demanding political change through slogans or attire does not violate the law.
”‘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,” the statement read.
Call for Immediate Disclosure and Access
Atiku called on the relevant authorities to immediately disclose the exact whereabouts of the five detainees, grant them access to their families and legal representatives, and release them without delay if the political slogan is the sole basis 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 concluded.
