Former Anambra State Governor and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the reported arrest of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, describing the incident as a deeply troubling sign for Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday morning, Obi revealed that he was informed the religious leader had been detained by authorities shortly after the cleric hosted him in Kaduna over the weekend.
“I have just been made aware early this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday,” Obi stated in his post.
The former presidential candidate warned that such actions reflect a growing pattern of intolerance and political repression within 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,” he emphasized.
Obi reiterated the critical importance of safeguarding civil liberties, pointing out that true democratic governance relies heavily on the protection of fundamental human rights.
This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are 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,” Obi added.
In his closing remarks, he issued a direct appeal to the government and law enforcement agencies, urging them to respect the rule of law in their engagements 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 concluded.
