It is dangerous to hold people merely because of their political opinions or connections, according to Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.
In response to the recent arrests of numerous individuals, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Attorney General Abubakar Malami, he made the comment on Monday via his official Facebook page. Such activities, he argued, constitute a grave danger to democratic values.
This warning came after he returned from doing the lesser Hajj, or Umrah, in Saudi Arabia, and before leading a delegation on a solidarity visit to Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General of the Federation.
He demanded the release of those he referred to as political prisoners, including Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State.
There should be no repercussions for people just because they disagree with the current administration or belong to a political party that is in opposition, he said.
He argues that the rule of law, tolerance, and respect for other viewpoints are the bedrock of a democratic society, and that the suppression of dissent undermines public faith in government.