Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has denied directing security agencies to arrest residents protesting with the slogan “Tinubu Must Go”, saying his recent comments were targeted at individuals involved in criminal activities.
The clarification followed a call by the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council for the governor to explain a viral video in which he was allegedly heard ordering the arrest and detention of people using the slogan.
The ADC campaign council had expressed concern over the remarks, particularly because Zulum had previously denied ordering the arrest of persons wearing “Tinubu Must Go” shirts in the state.
However, Zulum’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, dismissed the allegation in a statement issued on Sunday night, accusing the ADC of misrepresenting the governor’s comments.
Iliya said the governor made the remarks during a media interaction in Maiduguri while discussing security challenges and social vices affecting the state.
According to him, Zulum was referring to young people allegedly involved in criminal activities and those wearing clothing depicting weapons such as knives and clubs.
The spokesman said the state had experienced an increase in crimes including gangsterism, kidnapping of underage girls, illegal abortions and phone snatching following years of insurgency.
He said the government consequently established an anti-vices security outfit to tackle the problem.
Iliya stated, “Governor Zulum never mentioned the #TinubuMustGo group, ADC, or any opposition group; he spoke only about security, peace, and order.”
He maintained that the governor’s position was that the government would not allow criminal activities to undermine the relative peace achieved in Borno after years of insurgency.
“Gov. Zulum did not mention any opposition party or political group in the media engagement,” the spokesman added.
Iliya also criticised the ADC for relying on what he described as an inaccurate media report in making its allegation against the governor.
He urged political actors and other critics to exercise caution when commenting on security-related matters in the state, arguing that political disagreements should not jeopardise the peace and stability of Borno.
He said, “Even in campaign seasons, there ought to be restraint and responsibility. Considering where Borno has come from, the least one would expect from the ADC is to join the call to ensure that nothing tampers with the recent peace and stability achieved under the administration of Gov. Zulum.”
The spokesman further argued that without security and stability, political parties would struggle to conduct effective campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.
