Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has condemned the arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, a Kaduna-based cleric.
Obi raised the concern in an early morning post on X on Tuesday.
He said authorities arrested the cleric shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday.
The former Anambra governor described the development as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and civil liberties.
Furthermore, Obi warned authorities against harassing citizens or perceived political opponents.
The presidential hopeful said such actions undermine freedom of speech and movement.
Meanwhile, he urged the government to uphold democratic values and protect citizens’ rights.
“This country must defend freedom and free speech. Suppression and intimidation of dissent cannot stand in a democracy,” he said.
Obi also called on those in authority to respect the rule of law.
He asked them to stop actions that could weaken Nigeria’s democratic system.
Obi visited the cleric on Sunday. The visit formed part of his consultations with northern leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.
