Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has demanded the immediate release of five Nigerians arrested and arraigned in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Atiku described the arrests as unjustified, questioning how wearing a political slogan could constitute a criminal offence in a democracy.
He made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
The former vice president recalled that President Bola Tinubu, while in opposition, protested against policies of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, including its fuel policy.
Atiku argued that Nigerians are currently facing rising costs of fuel, food, transportation and electricity under the Tinubu administration.
“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime,” Atiku said.
He added that while the President could disagree with the slogan and campaign against it, Nigerians should not be arrested simply for expressing such political views.
Atiku also called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and ensure that they have access to their families and lawyers.
“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 said.
The Borno State Police Command had earlier arrested and arraigned five men in Maiduguri over allegations relating to the printing and wearing of the T-shirts.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: FG Declares Public Holiday as Nigeria Marks 66th Independence Anniversary
According to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department and dated September 29, 2026, the defendants are Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21.
The FIR stated that the alleged incident occurred on September 25 at about 11am around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.
The police charged the defendants with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.
The five defendants pleaded not guilty when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri.
Their counsel subsequently filed an application seeking bail.
The court adjourned the matter until October 6, 2026, for ruling on the bail application, while October 26, 2026, was fixed for the substantive trial.
