Peter Obi Condemns Arrest of Cleric Who Hosted Him

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (Nigeria), Peter Obi, has raised concerns over what he described as a troubling development following the reported arrest of a cleric who recently hosted him in Kaduna.

In a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Obi said he was informed that respected religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, was arrested shortly after hosting him during a visit to the state on Sunday.

“I have just been made aware this morning that revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna,” Obi stated.

The former governor of Anambra State described the incident as a worrying signal for Nigeria’s democratic environment, warning that actions that threaten freedom of expression and movement could undermine democratic principles.

According to him, the development reflects a growing climate where citizens and perceived political opponents may face harassment and intimidation.

Obi stressed that protecting fundamental freedoms such as free speech and lawful political engagement is essential in any democratic society.

“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society,” he said, adding that suppression of dissent should not be tolerated in a democratic system.

He called on relevant authorities to uphold the rule of law and avoid actions that could weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not issued an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the arrest of the cleric.