Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarm over the arrest of a cleric who hosted him during a recent visit to Kaduna State, describing the development as troubling for Nigeria’s democracy.
Obi disclosed on Tuesday that the cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, was taken into custody shortly after receiving him on Sunday.
In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the former Anambra State governor said he was informed of the arrest early Tuesday, expressing concern over what he called a growing pattern of intimidation.
“I have just been made aware that a revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna,” Obi said.
Obi warned that the incident reflects a deteriorating environment for civil liberties in the country, particularly regarding freedom of speech and association.
He said actions perceived as targeting citizens or political figures risk weakening democratic institutions and eroding public trust.
“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly under threat,” he stated.
The Labour Party figure stressed that protecting fundamental rights remains essential to sustaining democracy, urging authorities to adhere strictly to the rule of law.
Obi called on security agencies and government officials to avoid actions that could be interpreted as harassment or political persecution.
He cautioned that suppressing dissenting voices or intimidating perceived opponents would only deepen concerns about Nigeria’s democratic direction.
“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are hallmarks of every democratic society,” he said, adding that intimidation has no place in governance.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not issued any official statement explaining the arrest or the circumstances surrounding it.
