The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewale Adebayo, has called for the immediate release of five protesters detained in Borno State for participating 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 over their participation in the ‘Tinubu Must Go’ protest.
Adebayo made the demand in a statement issued by the Movement Adebayo for President (MAP), condemning what he described as an attempt to criminalise dissent and silence opposition voices.
He maintained that citizens have a constitutional right to express their political opinions and peacefully protest against government policies and performance.
According to Adebayo, wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription ‘Tinubu Must Go’ does not constitute an offence when those involved conduct themselves peacefully.
The SDP candidate challenged the Borno State Government, led by Governor Babagana Zulum, the police and the Federal Government to respect citizens’ fundamental rights.
He also stated that, based on the account provided by his movement, there was no evidence suggesting that the five protesters engaged in violent conduct.
Adebayo warned that attempts to suppress peaceful opposition would be challenged through lawful means, stressing that democratic freedoms must be protected regardless of political affiliation.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force to remain neutral as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026/2027 campaign season.
“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 further cautioned against the alleged use of law enforcement agencies to intimidate opposition figures and citizens whose views differ from those of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adebayo argued that democracy could not thrive if citizens were denied the opportunity to express opposing views or peacefully pursue their political beliefs.
He called on Nigerians, statesmen and other stakeholders to support efforts to secure the release of the five detainees.
The SDP presidential candidate reaffirmed his commitment to building a Nigeria free from oppression, poverty and insecurity, insisting that no citizen should be punished for holding a different political opinion.
