The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum over alleged fresh directives threatening the arrest and detention of citizens expressing opposition to President Bola Tinubu, describing the move as a direct assault on constitutional democracy and freedom of expression.
The fiery reaction from the opposition party comes on the heels of a viral video where the governor allegedly instructed security agencies to clamp down on individuals wearing T-shirts or carrying banners inscribed with “Tinubu Must Go”. The controversy escalated following the arrest and prosecution of five Maiduguri residents who were charged with conspiracy and public disturbance for displaying opposition slogans.
In a hard-hitting public statement issued by its Presidential Campaign Council, the ADC expressed irony that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—a party that leveraged protests and free speech to achieve power—is now resorting to state intimidation to silence dissenting voices. The party emphasized that wearing political slogans or calling for a leader to leave office remains a protected constitutional right within a democratic system.
“Borno State is not a political detention centre, and citizens must not be threatened into silence for opposing President Tinubu,” the ADC stated, urging Governor Zulum to immediately withdraw all arrest directives targeting peaceful protesters and focus on addressing economic hardship through performance rather than state coercion.
While Governor Zulum previously denied ordering political arrests—claiming his administration remains focused on security and infrastructure—the growing faceoff highlights rising political tensions as opposition coalitions align ahead of future electoral cycles.
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