African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has arrived in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where he was met by protesters carrying the message, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, was in Lafia as part of his political engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.
The “Tinubu Must Go” slogan reflects growing political opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 election.
The development comes days after ADC presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the arrest and arraignment of five Nigerians in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the same inscription.
Atiku had demanded the immediate release of the five men, arguing that wearing a political slogan should not amount to a criminal offence in a democracy.
The former Vice President made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
Atiku recalled that Tinubu, while in opposition, openly criticised and protested policies of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, including its fuel policy.
He said Nigerians should similarly be free to express their dissatisfaction with the policies of the current administration.
“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes,” Atiku said.
“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?” he asked.
Atiku maintained that the phrase “Tinubu Must Go” represented a political demand rather than 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.
The former Vice President also called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and ensure they had access to their families and lawyers.
“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 arrested and arraigned the 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.
The police charged the five defendants 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 men pleaded not guilty when they appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri.
Their lawyer 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.
