Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over the reported arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar shortly after a meeting in Kaduna.
Obi made the statement on Tuesday, the 24th of March, 2026, via his verified X account, describing the situation as a worrying reflection of the country’s political climate.
He said authorities must take steps to protect freedom of expression and other democratic rights, which he described as central to any functioning democracy.
According to him, acts of intimidation and suppression have no place in a democratic setting and should be addressed immediately.
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“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.
“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.
“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 wrote.