Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress Presidential candidate (ADC) Atiku Abubakar has called for the immediate release of five Nigerians reportedly arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State, over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
Atiku made the demand in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.
According to the statement, the five men were arrested after allegedly wearing the T-shirts around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri. A police First Information Report reportedly accused them of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.
The defendants, identified as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed, have reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Their case was adjourned until October 6, 2026, for a ruling on their bail application, while the substantive matter was fixed for October 26.
Reacting to the development, Atiku recalled President Bola Tinubu’s opposition to fuel price increases under former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that Nigerians should also be allowed to express their dissatisfaction with current policies.
“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes,” Atiku said.
He added that the expression “Tinubu Must Go” represented a demand for political change and argued that people should not be detained simply for wearing shirts bearing the slogan.
The ADC campaign council statement further quoted Atiku as saying, “‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime.”
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