Peter Obi Condemns Arrest Of Sheikh Ahmad Umar Who Hosted Him In Kaduna

Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has condemned the arrest of Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar, calling it a worrying development for Nigeria’s democracy.

In a post shared on his X page on Tuesday, Peter Obi revealed that the cleric was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna on Sunday, adding that he learned of the arrest this morning.

“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 on Sunday,” he said.

The former governor expressed concern that the situation points to a growing problem in the country, where people’s rights, especially freedom of expression and movement, appear to be under pressure.

“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he stated.

Obi stressed that a functioning democracy depends on respect for basic freedoms, warning that silencing opposing voices or intimidating citizens has no place in a democratic system.

“This country must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society. 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 act within the law and respect democratic values when dealing with citizens, noting that Nigeria’s political system must be guided by fairness and the rule of law.

“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens,” Obi said.

KanyiDaily recalls that Peter Obi recently said he is not sure he will get the 2027 presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).