Human rights activist and political commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has revisited his 2019 experience in Kano State, alleging that he was unlawfully arrested and imprisoned during the general elections.
Speaking during a media interview on Channels Television on Friday, Adeyanju said his activism and outspoken criticism of political leaders had consistently attracted harassment and intimidation. He pointed to the events of 2019 as a defining moment in his struggle for democratic accountability.
“In 2019, he did not allow me to vote, he arrested me and locked me up in a prison in Kano,” Adeyanju stated, though he did not mention the individual by name during the segment. The activist said the episode was orchestrated to silence him and deter his political participation.
Adeyanju, who has remained a consistent critic of successive administrations, stressed that Nigeria’s democracy is still plagued by intolerance to dissent. According to him, his ordeal in Kano reflected a broader culture of political repression, where critics are targeted rather than engaged in constructive debate.
He noted that such experiences have not weakened his resolve but rather strengthened his commitment to holding leaders accountable. “They can arrest me, insult me, or try to silence me, but they cannot take away my right to speak the truth,” he declared.
The activist also used the platform to draw a connection between his past ordeal and his current clash with supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi. He argued that Nigeria’s political space had been overtaken by individuals and groups who show little tolerance for alternative views.
Adeyanju insisted that his criticisms of Obi and the Obidient movement were rooted in principle, not personal animosity. He accused Obi’s camp of adopting the same undemocratic tactics he had experienced in 2019, citing insults, threats, and attempts to suppress opposing voices.
According to him, Nigerians should learn to separate emotional attachment to political figures from the larger goal of building institutions that safeguard democracy. He argued that the obsession with personalities had undermined the pursuit of reforms that could strengthen governance.
Adeyanju further expressed readiness to defend his positions in court, following threats of defamation suits over his recent comments. He maintained that truth and accountability remain the foundation of his advocacy.
The activist concluded by urging Nigerians not to shy away from demanding transparency and accountability from all leaders, irrespective of party affiliation or popularity, warning that silence in the face of repression only emboldens the powerful.
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