PRP Condemns Arrest of Borno Youths Over Political T-Shirts, Meets Atiku

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has condemned the reported arrest of youths in Borno State over T-shirts carrying political messages, warning against restrictions on citizens’ political expression.

The party’s National Chairman, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, raised the issue while joining other opposition coalition leaders at a meeting with former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Abuja. The meeting was held on Tuesday as opposition parties continued consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to a statement issued by PRP National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, the delegation met Atiku and members of his campaign council as part of efforts to broaden cooperation among opposition parties and political actors.

The PRP said the reported Borno arrests would be taken up by the coalition. Baba-Ahmed was quoted as saying: “The reported arrest in Borno State of young people wearing T-shirts bearing political messages is unequivocally condemned.”

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

Reports from Nigerian media said five men were arrested in Maiduguri over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.” The reports, citing a police First Information Report, said the suspects faced allegations including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery. The defendants reportedly pleaded not guilty, with further court proceedings scheduled.

The Borno State chapter of the ADC had earlier condemned the arrests and called for the release of the five men, describing the T-shirts as political expression. The police, however, said statements were obtained from the suspects and that the case was taken to court to allow the judicial process to proceed.

Meanwhile, the PRP said the meeting with Atiku was a source of “tremendous inspiration” to the delegation. The party said coalition leaders and other potential participants recognised the need to broaden and strengthen the alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.

The PRP added that consultations with other opposition party leaders and presidential candidates would continue as the coalition works to develop a broader political platform ahead of the 2027 polls.