WARRI: Tension was reported at PTI Junction in Warri, Delta State, after some youths participating in a 5-kilometre Independence Day Run allegedly protested against the distribution of T-shirts bearing the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as youths gathered for the Independence Day fitness event.
According to reports, the situation escalated after organisers allegedly began distributing “Soft Nigeria” T-shirts carrying an image of President Tinubu to participants.
Videos circulating online appeared to show some of the youths expressing displeasure over the shirts and tearing them apart.
Some of the protesters were also heard chanting the name of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as the disagreement unfolded.
The youths had reportedly gathered at PTI Junction as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
However, the distribution of the branded shirts allegedly became a source of disagreement among some participants.
Footage shared online showed youths holding the shirts before some of them tore the clothing while chanting, Obi, Obi, Obi.
The available report did not establish whether the organisers had informed participants beforehand that the shirts would carry the President’s image or whether wearing them was a compulsory condition for taking part in the run.
It was also not immediately clear from the report whether the organisers had issued a public response to the incident.
The incident has drawn attention because it occurred during a public event organised to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Political symbolism has often featured prominently at public gatherings in Nigeria, particularly where participants are presented with branded clothing, banners or other materials associated with political figures.
In this case, the alleged distribution of shirts bearing Tinubu’s image reportedly triggered a reaction from some of the youths at the Warri event.
The chanting of Peter Obi’s name in the videos also introduced an obvious political dimension to the disagreement, although the available report does not establish that all participants at the event supported Obi or opposed Tinubu.
Videos shared online appeared to capture some of the youths tearing the shirts while chanting in support of Obi.
The footage has since attracted attention on social media, with users discussing the circumstances surrounding the alleged distribution of the shirts.
However, the videos alone do not establish the full circumstances leading to the confrontation or whether the shirts were intended as political campaign material, event souvenirs, sponsorship merchandise or another form of branding.
The source report described the shirts as “Soft Nigeria” T-shirts bearing Tinubu’s image.
As of the time of the report, no detailed statement from the organisers explaining why the shirts were distributed was provided.
It also remained unclear whether the organisers intended the shirts to be worn by participants or simply distributed as part of the event.
The circumstances surrounding the protest therefore remain based on the account and videos cited in the original report.
The incident nevertheless highlights how politically sensitive public events can become, particularly when participants are presented with materials associated with political personalities.
Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, with events and celebrations taking place across the country.
The Warri incident was one of the moments to attract attention online as Nigerians participated in activities marking the anniversary.
