The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has raised concerns over the reported arrest of youths in Borno State in connection with political messages on their clothing, warning against the use of detention to restrict political expression.
The party said its opposition coalition would take up the matter, stressing that citizens should not be subjected to conditions in which their release is linked to political considerations.
The position was contained in a statement issued by the PRP National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, following a meeting between the party’s National Chairman, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, in Abuja.
Baba-Ahmed was part of a delegation of opposition figures that met Atiku and members of his campaign council as part of ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PRP said the delegation would continue discussions with other opposition leaders and presidential candidates as part of efforts to expand cooperation among parties ahead of the polls.
Vanguard reported that five youths were arrested in Maiduguri over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.” The report said police linked the case to allegations including public disturbance and thuggery, while opposition figures questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
The PRP said the reported arrests had heightened concerns within the opposition coalition over the handling of political expression, insisting that citizens should not be treated as hostages because of political disagreements.
