Politics
Amaechi Arrives Lafia, Met by ‘Tinubu Must Go’ Protesters
ADC vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi was met by protesters displaying “Tinubu Must Go” placards during his political engagement in Nasarawa.
Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate Rotimi Amaechi has arrived in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where he was met by people displaying placards bearing the message “Tinubu Must Go.”
Amaechi was in Lafia as part of his political engagements ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general election. Reports from the visit showed protesters displaying the slogan as the ADC continues its campaign activities ahead of the election.
The development comes amid controversy over the recent arrest and arraignment of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, in connection with T-shirts bearing the same inscription.
The five men — Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed — were arrested on September 25 and subsequently arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri.
According to the First Information Report, the defendants face allegations including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery. They pleaded not guilty to the charges. A ruling on their bail application is scheduled for October 6, while the substantive case is listed for October 26.
The Borno State Police Command has, however, disputed reports that the men were arrested solely for wearing the “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts. Police said the allegations also involved conduct capable of causing public disturbance, thuggery and possession of suspected illicit drugs.
ADC presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for the men's release. Atiku argued that the slogan represented a political demand and should not, in itself, constitute a criminal offence.
He also called on the authorities to ensure that the detained men had access to their families and lawyers.
Amaechi's appearance in Lafia comes as political parties increase their activities ahead of the 2027 elections. The former governor has recently used ADC campaign engagements to criticise the Tinubu administration and encourage party supporters to mobilise ahead of the election.
The Lafia demonstration adds another public display of the “Tinubu Must Go” slogan to the political discourse surrounding the 2027 election, although the presence of protesters in Lafia does not by itself establish the broader level of support for the message.