Former Anambra State governor and ex-presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the reported arrest of Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Tijani Umar, describing it as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic values.

Obi, who was the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, said he learned that the cleric was arrested shortly after hosting him in Kaduna.

In a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed concern that the development signals a growing pattern of repression and intolerance in the country.

He warned that freedom of speech and movement, key pillars of democracy, are increasingly under threat, with citizens and perceived political opponents allegedly facing harassment and persecution.

“This cannot be allowed to continue,” Obi stated, stressing that democratic governance depends on the protection of fundamental human rights.

He called on authorities to uphold the rule of law and respect democratic principles, urging those in power to avoid actions that could further weaken the nation’s already fragile democracy.

Obi added that suppressing dissent and intimidating citizens has no place in a democratic society and urged the government to safeguard civil liberties.