The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has condemned the reported arrest of Elijah Noah in Akwa Ibom State in connection with political activities, describing the development as a misplacement of priority and a matter requiring urgent attention from civil society and the Nigerian Bar Association.
COPDEM said the arrest was particularly concerning against the backdrop of the country’s wider security challenges, including attacks by armed groups and the displacement of civilians.
The organisation maintained that citizens have constitutionally protected rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, subject to lawful restrictions. Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association respectively.
COPDEM also argued that the holding of political rallies by different political parties on the same day is not, by itself, prohibited by the Constitution, urging security agencies to facilitate peaceful political activities rather than unnecessarily criminalise legitimate civic participation.
However, the organisation called for all political actors and security agencies to comply with applicable electoral and public-order laws. INEC’s current electoral calendar confirms that the 2027 electoral process is underway, while its official materials provide for campaigns within the prescribed statutory period.
“Every citizen has an inalienable right to participate in the political process and support a candidate or political party of their choice within the law,” COPDEM said.
The organisation demanded the immediate release of Elijah Noah, if no lawful basis exists for his continued detention, as well as a public apology if his arrest is established to have violated his fundamental rights.
COPDEM further appealed to civil society organisations, human-rights defenders and members of the Nigerian Bar Association to intervene and ensure that citizens’ constitutional rights are protected.
COPDEM condemns arrests over “Tinubu Must Go” shirts
COPDEM also condemned the recent arrest and prosecution of five men in Maiduguri over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
Premium Times reported that the men were charged with alleged criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbing public peace and thuggery. The police subsequently said the men were also allegedly found with suspected cannabis, tablets, a shisha pot and other items during their arrest. Those allegations are separate from the political message on the shirts and remain matters for the courts.
COPDEM argued that political criticism, including criticism of a sitting government, falls within the broader constitutional protection of freedom of expression, provided the expression does not itself constitute an offence under applicable law.
The organisation said it was concerned that the police could become involved in suppressing political expression rather than protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining public order.
“There is nowhere in the Nigerian Constitution where freedom of speech is streamlined against certain letters or political opinions,” COPDEM said.
The organisation insisted that criticism of government policies or demands for political change should not, without more, be treated as criminal conduct.
COPDEM said no amount of alleged intimidation or clampdown would eliminate citizens’ demand for accountable and responsive government, and called on security agencies to discharge their duties impartially.
It urged the authorities to respect the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, while also urging political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the law.
