The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has requested an explanation from Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum regarding a video that appears to show him threatening to arrest individuals using the slogan "Tinubu Must Go." The council's director of strategic communications, Phrank Shaibu, stated that the governor's remarks seem to contradict his recent denial of ordering arrests of people wearing T-shirts with the slogan.
According to Mr. Shaibu, the video posted on social media platform X, purportedly shows Governor Zulum speaking in Hausa, although the exact date, location, and context of the footage are unclear. The ADC council emphasized that expressing opposition to a president, including through slogans or clothing, should not be grounds for arrest. They argued that authorities should prosecute individuals based on evidence of separate offenses, rather than using it to punish political expression.
The controversy surrounding the "Tinubu Must Go" slogan began with the arrest of five men in Maiduguri on September 25. The men, identified as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio, and Abdulhamid Mohammed, were charged with various offenses, including criminal conspiracy and inciting disturbance. The Borno State Police Command later provided more details on the arrests, stating that officers recovered items such as dried leaves suspected to be cannabis and T-shirts bearing the slogan during a routine patrol.
Governor Zulum subsequently distanced himself from the arrests, stating that opposition supporters were entitled to express their views within the law. However, the circulating video has prompted the ADC to demand further clarification from the governor. The party's council argued that Governor Zulum must explain the apparent contradiction between his recent denial and the video.
The ADC council also called on Governor Zulum to withdraw any directive targeting individuals solely for opposing President Bola Tinubu. Mr. Shaibu emphasized that no governor has the authority to criminalize peaceful political opinion. The party's stance highlights the importance of protecting freedom of expression in Nigeria's democratic process.
The incident has raised concerns about the limits of free speech in Nigeria, particularly in the context of political opposition. The ADC's request for clarification from Governor Zulum underscores the need for public officials to be transparent and accountable in their actions and statements. The party's statement also reflects the ongoing debate about the balance between maintaining public order and protecting individual rights.
As the situation continues to unfold, Governor Zulum's response to the ADC's request for clarification will likely be closely watched by Nigerians and observers of the country's democratic process. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of navigating free speech and political expression in a democratic society.
Key points
- The African Democratic Congress has asked Governor Babagana Zulum to explain a video that appears to show him threatening to arrest individuals using the "Tinubu Must Go" slogan.
- The video seems to contradict Governor Zulum's recent denial of ordering arrests of people wearing T-shirts with the slogan.
- The incident has raised concerns about the limits of free speech in Nigeria, particularly in the context of political opposition.
