Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has denied ordering the arrest of people chanting “Tinubu Must Go” in the state. The governor said his recent warning targeted criminals threatening peace in Borno. His clarification followed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council. The council had demanded answers over a viral video involving the governor.
The ADC campaign council alleged that Zulum ordered security agents to arrest anyone using the “Tinubu Must Go” slogan. Its Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, also questioned the governor’s earlier denial. In response, Zulum’s spokesman, Dauda Iliya, dismissed the allegation as “unprofessional.” He said the ADC twisted the governor’s comments for political reasons.
According to Iliya, Zulum made the comments during a media chat in Maiduguri. The governor discussed rising crime and other social problems affecting the state. He mentioned young men wearing shirts showing knives and clubs. Iliya said Zulum referred to criminals involved in kidnapping, phone snatching and other crimes.
“Governor Zulum never mentioned the #TinubuMustGo group, ADC, or any opposition group,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iliya accused the ADC of turning the governor’s security warning into a political issue. He said Borno cannot afford anything that threatens its recent peace after years of insurgency.
“As a responsible government, Prof. Zulum’s administration will not allow the state’s hard-earned peace to be truncated,” he said.
The spokesman also urged political parties to show restraint during campaigns. He stressed that peace and stability should remain a priority in Borno.
