Adebayo Demands Release Of Five ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Protesters In Borno

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewale Adebayo, has called for the immediate release of five protesters reportedly detained in Borno State over their participation in a demonstration against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The protesters, identified as Ba’ana Grema, Mustapha Abba, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed, are reportedly being held in a correctional facility in the state.

Adebayo, in a statement issued by the Movement Adebayo for President (MAP), said their continued detention raised concerns about the protection of democratic freedoms and the right to peaceful protest.

He argued that citizens had the constitutional right to express their political opinions and demonstrate peacefully against government policies.

According to him, wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go” should not, in itself, constitute an offence if the protesters acted peacefully.

The SDP candidate called on the Borno State Government, the police and the Federal Government to ensure that the rights of the detained protesters were respected.

He also challenged the authorities to establish the basis for their continued detention, arguing that the account presented by his movement contained no evidence that the protesters had engaged in violence.

Adebayo further urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain politically neutral as parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections.

“The Police must protect and defend the rights of citizens to peacefully sell their candidates, and they must refuse to be used against opposition parties and candidates,” he said.

He cautioned against the use of law enforcement agencies to intimidate opposition figures and citizens expressing views contrary to those of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adebayo called on Nigerians and other stakeholders to support efforts to secure the release of the five protesters.

He said the protection of dissenting opinions and the right to peaceful political participation were essential to democratic governance.