Dare Babalola
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over what he described as “troubling developments” in Nigeria’s political space, following the reported arrest of a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar.
In a statement shared on Tuesday via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi said he was informed early in the day that the revered religious leader was arrested by authorities shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday.
The former Anambra State governor described the development as a disturbing reflection of the state of democracy in the country, warning that citizens’ fundamental rights were increasingly under threat.
“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,” Obi said.
He stressed that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode democratic values and further weaken public trust in governance.
Obi also called on authorities to uphold constitutional rights, insisting that freedom of expression must be protected at all times.
“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,” he stated.
The Labour Party chieftain urged those in positions of power to desist from actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic foundations, and instead embrace the rule of law in dealing 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 added.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s arrest.
