The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has condemned the reported arrest of youths in Borno State for allegedly wearing T-shirts carrying political messages, warning that Nigerians should not be detained simply for expressing their political views.
The party said the reported arrests raised concerns about the protection of citizens’ rights and political freedoms, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PRP National Chairman, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, made the position known alongside other opposition coalition leaders during a visit to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, Baba-Ahmed and other coalition leaders met with Atiku and members of his campaign council at the former vice president’s residence on Tuesday.
The PRP said the coalition was concerned about the reported detention of the youths in Borno and would take up the matter as part of its efforts to protect citizens’ rights.
The party stated that Nigeria should not reach a stage where citizens are treated as hostages and released only after political conditions are met.
The statement quoted the coalition as saying, “Nigeria must not become a country where citizens are treated as hostages and released only when political conditions are met.”
The party said the meeting with Atiku was a source of “tremendous inspiration” to the delegation, adding that discussions would continue with other political leaders and presidential candidates.
According to the PRP, the coalition is seeking to expand its membership and strengthen its political structure ahead of the 2027 elections.
It said leaders of the participating parties, as well as other politicians interested in joining the coalition, recognised the need to build a broader platform capable of mounting a challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
The party added that further consultations with political leaders and stakeholders would continue as the coalition works towards establishing a wider opposition alliance.
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