The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Borno State Government of plotting to suppress opposition activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a press statement, the party's state publicity secretary, Baba Mustapha, voiced concern over a recent media broadcast by Governor Babagana Zulum, claiming it contained threats targeted at the party's structure in the state. The ADC described itself as a registered political party under Nigeria's Constitution and Electoral Act.
The opposition party alleged that hostility from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration escalated after it unveiled a retired major general, Abdulmalik Bulama, as the running mate of its governorship candidate, Babagana Buhari. The ADC claimed that the state government planned to use agencies such as the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) and the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS) to harass its leaders and seal off their properties in several LGAs.
The ADC called on the Inspector General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), and President Bola Tinubu to intervene and guarantee a level playing field ahead of 2027. The party also challenged Governor Zulum to address pressing local concerns, including youth unemployment, unpaid workers' salaries, and the prolonged stay of citizens in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The ADC emphasized its constitutional right to assemble, associate, and campaign in all 27 LGAs of Borno State.
Governor Zulum's aide, Dauda Iliya, rebutted the opposition's claims, dismissing the ADC's statement as a baseless fabrication. Mr Iliya clarified that Governor Zulum never mentioned the ADC or any opposition political group during his media engagement, which focused on maintaining law and order and cracking down on post-insurgency street gangsterism. The governor's spokesperson emphasized that the administration's Anti-Vices security outfit was established to protect lives and property.
Mr Iliya urged political actors to refrain from politicizing delicate peace and security issues, emphasizing that preserving stability in Borno State remains a collective responsibility. He maintained that the administration's efforts have resulted in a sharp decline in violent crime across Maiduguri and surrounding communities. The governor's spokesperson described the ADC's statement as a clear case of self-indictment.
The ADC and the Borno State Government have been trading words over alleged political intimidation and security threats ahead of the 2027 elections. The opposition party accused the government of planning to deploy security agencies and state regulatory bodies against its leadership. The government has dismissed the claims, describing them as an act of political desperation.
The development has raised concerns about the level of political tension in Borno State ahead of the 2027 elections. The ADC has called for a level playing field, while the government has emphasized its commitment to maintaining law and order.
Key points
- - The ADC accused the Borno State Government of planning to suppress opposition activities ahead of the 2027 elections. - The government dismissed the claims, describing them as an act of political desperation and “self-indictment”. - The development has raised concerns about the level of political tension in Borno State ahead of the 2027 elections.
