‘Nigeria Must Not Treat Citizens as Hostages’ — PRP Condemns Borno Youth Arrests

ABUJA: The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has reacted strongly to the reported arrest of youths in Borno State over political T-shirts, saying citizens should not be detained because of their political expression.

The party’s position came as opposition leaders stepped up consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

PRP National Chairman, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, was among opposition coalition leaders who met former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, at his Abuja residence on Tuesday.

According to PRP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, the delegation also met members of Atiku’s campaign council. The party described the engagement as a source of “tremendous inspiration” and said further consultations with opposition leaders and candidates were planned.

The coalition also used the occasion to condemn the reported arrests in Borno.

“The reported arrest in Borno State of young people wearing T-shirts bearing political messages is unequivocally condemned. The coalition will take up the matter,” the statement said.

“Nigeria must not become a country where citizens are treated as hostages and released only when political conditions are met.”

Reports indicate that five youths were arrested and arraigned in Maiduguri over T-shirts carrying the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.” The reported charges include criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery, with the defendants pleading not guilty.

The PRP said the coalition was concerned about the treatment of citizens in relation to political expression and would pursue the matter.

Beyond the Borno arrests, the opposition leaders discussed efforts to expand their coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party said leaders of coalition parties and other potential members recognised the need to broaden and strengthen the group’s capacity ahead of the polls.

“Leaders of coalition parties, as well as others interested in joining, recognise the need to broaden and strengthen the coalition’s capacity to defeat the APC in 2027 and give Nigeria a new lease on life,” the statement said.

The PRP said the coalition would continue consultations with other political parties, leaders and presidential candidates as it works toward building a broader platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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