Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate release of five men arrested in Borno State for wearing T-shirts bearing the slogan “Tinubu Must Go.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate condemned the arrests, describing the slogan as a legitimate political expression rather than a crime. He argued that wearing a T-shirt with a political message should not lead to detention in a democracy.

The five men — identified as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed — were reportedly arrested by the Borno State Police Command in Maiduguri and charged with offences including criminal conspiracy and inciting disturbance.

Atiku recalled that President Bola Tinubu had previously protested against the fuel pricing policies of the Goodluck Jonathan administration. He insisted that Nigerians must equally be free to express dissatisfaction with current government policies.

“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime,” Atiku said. “Tinubu was free to tell Jonathan that his policies were hurting Nigerians. Nigerians must be free to tell Tinubu that his policies are hurting them. Release these five citizens now.”

He called on the authorities to disclose the detainees’ whereabouts, grant them access to their families and lawyers, and free them if the political slogan was the sole basis for their arrest.

The Federal Government has officially declared Thursday, October 1, a public holiday across the country to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day anniversary.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the government directed all ministries, departments, and agencies of government, as well as private sector organisations, to observe the day as a work-free day. The declaration follows the long-standing tradition of marking October 1 as a national holiday in celebration of the nation’s independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

The announcement comes as Nigerians prepare to reflect on 66 years of nationhood. Independence Day remains one of the most significant dates on the national calendar, serving as a moment for citizens to honour the sacrifices of the founding fathers and to reaffirm commitment to unity, peace, and progress.

Government officials have urged Nigerians to use the holiday to engage in peaceful celebrations, community activities, and patriotic reflection. Security agencies have also been directed to maintain law and order throughout the period to ensure a peaceful observance of the anniversary.

As the nation marks another year of independence, the Federal Government called on all citizens to remain committed to the ideals of democracy, national cohesion, and sustainable development.

President Bola Tinubu has ended his working vacation in Europe and departed Paris for Nigeria on Tuesday, with his aircraft expected to land at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos later in the evening.

The announcement was made by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu left Abuja on August 30 for what was initially billed as a three-week working vacation.

He spent one week in London before proceeding to Paris. The trip was later extended, bringing his total time abroad to about 30 days.

The President chose to return through Lagos rather than Abuja to honour the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

On Independence Day, October 1, he is scheduled to attend the premiere of a movie celebrating Abiola at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos.

While in Lagos, Tinubu will hold strategic meetings with political leaders and associates over several days as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify. He is expected to return to Abuja after those engagements.

During his stay in Paris, the President attended a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and held meetings with business leaders, including Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group.

He also met with First Holdings Chairman Femi Otedola and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ogun State Government and DP World for a deep seaport and Blue Marine Economic Zone.