You Protested Against Jonathan – Atiku Faults Arrest of Youths Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-shirt

Former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded the immediate release of five Nigerians arrested and arraigned in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”

Atiku faulted the arrest and questioned how wearing a political slogan could constitute an offence in a democracy.

He made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

The former vice president recalled that President Bola Tinubu, while in opposition, protested against the policies of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, including its fuel policy.

Atiku said Nigerians were now experiencing rising costs of fuel, food, transportation and electricity under the Tinubu administration.

“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes.

“Parents are cutting meals. Workers can scarcely afford the journey to work. Families are being crushed by bills that rise faster than their income. And when citizens put their anger on a T-shirt, the response is reportedly an arrest.

“What kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else?” Atiku asked.

He maintained that the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go,” was a political demand and not a criminal act.

“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime. President Tinubu can disagree with those words. He can campaign against them. He cannot make people disappear into custody for wearing them,” he said.

Atiku called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and grant them access to their families and lawyers.

He also demanded their release if the political slogan was the basis for their arrest.

“Tinubu was free to tell Jonathan that his policies were hurting Nigerians. Nigerians must be free to tell Tinubu that his policies are hurting them. Release these five citizens now,” Atiku said.

The Borno State Police Command had earlier arrested and arraigned five men in Maiduguri over the printing and wearing of the T-shirts.

According to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department and verified through court officials, the defendants are Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21.

The FIR, dated September 29, 2026, stated that the incident occurred on September 25 at about 11am around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.

Politics Nigeria reports that the police charged the five men with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery, alleging that the offences contravened Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.

The five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri.

Their counsel subsequently filed an application seeking bail for the defendants.

The presiding magistrate adjourned the case until October 6, 2026, for ruling on the bail application, while October 26, 2026, was fixed for the substantive trial.