The Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reacted to the arrest of Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar after the cleric hosted him in Kaduna.

In a post on his official X handle, the former presidential candidate said the development, which he described as "troubling" must be nipped in the bud.

According to him, the federal government must defend freedom and free speech, which are the hallmarks of every democratic society.

He said suppression and intimidation of dissent can never stand in a democratic society, noting that the Nigerian government must understand the facts.

“I have just been made aware early this morning that Revered religious leader, Sheikh Ahmad Tijjani Umar has been arrested by authorities shortly after hosting me in Kaduna on Sunday.

“This development underscores the deeply troubling state of our nation and our democracy, where freedom of speech and movement is increasingly threatened, and where citizens and perceived political opponents face harassment and unnecessary persecution. This cannot be allowed to continue.

“I respectfully call on all those bent on undermining our already fragile democracy to please stop and apply the rule of law and tenets of democracy in dealing with citizens,” he wrote.