Obi Raises Concerns Over Attacks On Opposition, Urge Those Undermining Democracy To Stop

Peter Obi and his host Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar in Kaduna on Sunday 

Stalwart of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has raised fresh concerns over incessant attacks against those with dissenting views.

He raised the concerns against the recent report of arrest of Revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, who hosted him  on Sunday in Kaduna.

In a post, “Troubling Developments in Our Polity that Must Be Nipped in the Bud”  on his X handle, Obi said “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 urged 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.”

The full text of the post reads:

Troubling Developments in Our Polity that Must Be Nipped in the Bud

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.

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.

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. -PO”