By Emmanuel Thomas l Wednesday, Sept 30, 2026
MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has launched a fiery criticism against the administration of Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, describing the recent arrest of members belonging to the “Tinubu Must Go” (TMG) movement in Maiduguri as a reckless abuse of executive power and a clear attempt to silence political dissent.
The sharp rebuke was issued in an official press statement on Wednesday by Kola Ologbondiyan, the Director of Media and Publicity for the ADC PCC. Ologbondiyan condemned the state government’s heavy-handed response to peaceful citizens, characterizing the arrests as an orchestrated effort to intimidate opposition voices as political activities pick up momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A “Welcome Gift” to the Presidency
Speaking on behalf of the campaign council, Ologbondiyan argued that state governors across the country are currently locked in an unhealthy rivalry to curry favor with the presidency, often at the detriment of fundamental human rights and constitutional freedoms.
”The arrest of members of the Tinubu Must Go (#TMG) movement in Maiduguri by the state governor is reckless and a total abuse of power and office. It is a welcome gift for President Tinubu,” Ologbondiyan stated. “What is in vogue among some of these current governors is a race to impress Tinubu at the expense of ordinary citizens.”
He emphasized that expressing opposition to an incumbent administration—including the use of popular campaign slogans such as “Tinubu must go” or “Tinubu must leave”—is a recognized form of political expression guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He firmly asserted that holding or uttering such political views does not constitute a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
Opposition Undeterred Ahead of 2027
According to the ADC PCC spokesman, the crackdown in Borno State is part of a broader, systemic pattern designed to intimidate members of the ADC and other opposition groups who are organizing for the upcoming 2027 general elections. However, Ologbondiyan maintained that state-sponsored harassment would fail to achieve its intended goal of stifling public opposition.
”The intimidation of citizens through arrest and other unlawful means will not deter the people from voting out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the January 16, 2027 election,” Ologbondiyan warned, reminding Governor Zulum that executive immunity and political office are temporary privilege. “Zulum should know that in a few months, he will be an ordinary citizen, and no amount of intimidation and harassment will deter Nigerians from voting out Tinubu.”
Drawing historical comparisons, Ologbondiyan pointed out that when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was in opposition, its members openly criticized and attacked the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite the severe criticism directed at his government, former President Jonathan respected democratic principles and refrained from ordering the arrest of citizens simply for exercising their fundamental right to free speech.
The campaign council urged Governor Zulum to order the immediate and unconditional release of all detained activists and guarantee their safety while in custody. Expressing concern over the well-being of the detainees, Ologbondiyan referenced a similar political detention incident that took place in Minna, Niger State, two weeks prior, stressing that no harm must come to those currently held in Maiduguri.
In light of these developments, the ADC PCC called upon the international community—specifically mentioning the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), British High Commission, and the Embassy of the United States—to closely monitor the shrinking democratic space in Nigeria.
The council urged international bodies to step in and support efforts to safeguard basic human rights, protect democratic institutions, and ensure citizens can exercise their political rights free from state coercion.
