The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewale Adebayo, has demanded the immediate release of five individuals reportedly detained in Borno State for participating in a protest against President Bola Tinubu's administration.
Adebayo described the continued detention of the protesters as a threat to democratic freedoms, insisting that Nigerians have a constitutional right to express their political opinions and participate in peaceful demonstrations.
The five individuals were identified as Ba’ana Grema, Mustapha Abba, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed.
They are reportedly being held at a correctional facility in Borno State following their involvement in a protest associated with the slogan “Tinubu Must Go.”
In a statement issued through the Movement Adebayo for President (MAP) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the SDP presidential candidate criticised what he described as the growing tendency to treat political disagreement as a criminal offence.
According to Adebayo, peaceful criticism of government policies and political leadership is a fundamental feature of democracy and should not expose citizens to intimidation or detention.
He argued that wearing clothing bearing messages opposing the President does not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence, provided those involved do not engage in violence or other unlawful activities.
The SDP candidate maintained that the account available to his movement did not indicate that the five detainees had participated in violent conduct during the protest.
He consequently called on the authorities to explain the circumstances surrounding their detention and respect their fundamental rights.
Adebayo specifically appealed to the administration of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Government to ensure that citizens are not denied their constitutional freedoms because of their political positions.
He warned that suppressing peaceful political activities could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions, particularly as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The SDP presidential candidate also urged the police to maintain political neutrality and avoid actions that could create the impression that security agencies were being deployed against opposition parties.
He stressed that law enforcement officers have a responsibility to protect the rights of Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations.
Adebayo further expressed concern about the possible use of security agencies to intimidate individuals who disagree with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He maintained that political competition should be conducted within the law and that citizens must remain free to support candidates, criticise public officials and participate in peaceful political mobilisation.
According to him, democratic governance requires tolerance of opposing views, even when those views are strongly critical of those in power.
The SDP candidate also called on prominent Nigerians, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at securing the release of the detained protesters.
He said political differences should never become a justification for denying citizens their lawful freedoms.
Adebayo reaffirmed his commitment to promoting a political environment in which Nigerians can express themselves without fear of intimidation or punishment.
The circumstances surrounding the arrests, including any formal charges against the five individuals, were not detailed in the statement.
Similarly, the account did not include an official response from the Borno State Government, the police or correctional authorities concerning the allegations raised by Adebayo.
The development has brought renewed attention to the protection of civil liberties and the role of security agencies in managing political demonstrations as Nigeria approaches another general election.
Adebayo maintained that the protection of peaceful dissent remains essential to strengthening democracy and ensuring that Nigerians can exercise their political rights without unnecessary interference.