Former presidential candidate Peter Obi says authorities have arrested religious leader Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar.
In a statement Tuesday titled “Troubling Developments in Our Polity that Must Be Nipped in the Bud,” Obi said the arrest occurred shortly after the cleric hosted him in Kaduna on Sunday.
Obi said the development highlights what he described as growing threats to freedom of speech and movement, alleging that citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and persecution.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy,” he said. “This cannot be allowed to continue.”
He urged authorities to uphold freedom and free speech, which he described as essential to any democratic society.
“Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, and this Nigerian government must understand this fact,” Obi said.
He called on those he accused of undermining democracy to adhere to the rule of law and democratic principles in dealing with citizens.
