Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has denied ordering the arrest of Nigerians who were detained in Maiduguri for wearing T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
Daniel Daniel
Zulum made the clarification on Friday in Maiduguri.
He was reacting to reports linking his administration to the arrest of five men who were arrested and arraigned by the Borno State Police Command over the T-shirts.
The governor said he was shocked to learn that the arrests were being linked to his government, insisting that he neither ordered nor authorised the arrest of anyone, including opposition politicians and people who criticise his administration.
Zulum said his attention had been focused on restoring peace and rebuilding Borno State after years of Boko Haram insurgency rather than going after political opponents.
He said he had repeatedly exposed himself to danger in the course of protecting residents of the state, including supporters of opposition political parties, from attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.
According to the governor, only “desperate politicians” would order the arrest of opposition supporters for political reasons, insisting that he was not one of such politicians.
Zulum also questioned why he would seek to arrest anyone for political reasons when Borno State had remained a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress for more than a decade.
He said, “Borno had remained an APC state since the party came to power in the state for over a decade.”
The governor maintained that his priority was to restore the state after years of insurgency and improve the living conditions of its people.
He said his administration had invested heavily in restoring peace, resettling internally displaced persons, rebuilding communities destroyed by Boko Haram attacks and providing essential infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.
Zulum said the progress recorded in Borno was the result of the commitment and sacrifices made by his administration to rebuild the state after years of conflict.
He further suggested that some accusations against political leaders were being made as the 2027 general elections approached, with some individuals allegedly seeking political attention by portraying governments negatively.
“Where were they when we were struggling to see that we had restored peace, resettled IDPs, reconstructed destroyed communities and established schools and hospitals?” he asked.
The governor said some individuals who had previously acknowledged the efforts of his administration were now criticising the government as the 2027 elections drew closer.
Zulum added that his reward for the sacrifices and resources committed to rebuilding Borno would come from God, stressing that criticism would not stop him from continuing his work until the end of his tenure.
The governor’s comments came days after the Borno State Police Command arrested and arraigned five men in Maiduguri over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.”
The development had attracted reactions, including from former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, who demanded the immediate release of the five defendants.
Atiku, in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, questioned how wearing a political slogan could constitute an offence in a democracy.
The former vice president recalled that President Bola Tinubu, while in opposition, had protested against policies of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, including the government’s fuel policy.
Atiku argued that Nigerians were now dealing with increased costs of fuel, food, transportation and electricity under the Tinubu administration.
“Tinubu opposed Jonathan’s fuel policy in the streets. Nigerians are living with the consequences of Tinubu’s fuel policy in their homes,” he said.
He added, “Parents are cutting meals. Workers can scarcely afford the journey to work. Families are being crushed by bills that rise faster than their income. And when citizens put their anger on a T-shirt, the response is reportedly an arrest.”
Atiku also asked, “What kind of democracy grants its President the right to protest, then takes that right away from everyone else?”
He maintained that “Tinubu Must Go” was a political demand and not a criminal act.
“‘Tinubu Must Go’ is a demand for political change. It is not a weapon, a threat or a crime. President Tinubu can disagree with those words. He can campaign against them. He cannot make people disappear into custody for wearing them,” Atiku said.
He called on the authorities to disclose the whereabouts of the five detainees and allow them access to their families and lawyers.
“Tinubu was free to tell Jonathan that his policies were hurting Nigerians. Nigerians must be free to tell Tinubu that his policies are hurting them. Release these five citizens now,” the former vice president said.
The police had earlier arrested and arraigned the five men over allegations relating to the printing and wearing of the T-shirts.
According to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department and verified through court officials, the defendants are Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21.
The FIR, dated September 29, 2026, stated that the incident occurred on September 25 at about 11am around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.
The five men were charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.
They pleaded not guilty when they appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri.
Their counsel subsequently filed an application seeking bail for the defendants.
The presiding magistrate adjourned the case until October 6, 2026, for ruling on the bail application, while October 26, 2026, was fixed for the substantive trial.
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