Former Anambra State Governor and ex-presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the reported arrest of Islamic cleric Ahmad Tijjani Umar, describing it as a disturbing signal for Nigeria’s democratic health.
Obi, in a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, said he was informed that the cleric was taken into custody shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday.
“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,” he stated.
The former governor expressed concern that the incident reflects a growing pattern of repression and intolerance in the country, warning that citizens especially perceived political opponents—are increasingly vulnerable to harassment.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened,” Obi said.
He emphasised that the protection of civil liberties remains fundamental to democratic governance, stressing that freedom of expression must not be undermined.
“Suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, and this Nigerian government must understand this fact,” he added.
Obi further urged authorities to adhere strictly to the rule of law and uphold democratic values in their engagement with citizens.
“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens,” he said.
