The Borno State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the arrest of five youths in Maiduguri over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go”.
The party described the arrests as unlawful and accused security operatives of acting on the orders of the ruling party.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday night by the ADC Publicity Secretary in Borno State, Hon Baba Ahmed Mustapha.
Mustapha said the party received with “utter dismay and shock” reports that five youths had been arrested and detained for wearing the T-shirts.
He described the action as “undemocratic, unconstitutional and provocative”, alleging that it amounted to an abuse of government institutions for partisan political purposes.
According to him, Section 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and receive and impart ideas.
He argued that wearing a T-shirt carrying a political message constituted an expression of political opinion.
The ADC spokesman also accused the security agencies of abusing their powers by arresting youths over their political views, saying democracy should accommodate dissent and peaceful criticism.
“We in the ADC find it ironic that a party that rode to power on the back of protest, criticism, and freedom of expression is now turning around to gag the same freedom for ordinary Nigerians,” Mustapha said.
The party subsequently demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the five youths, as well as a public apology to them and their families.
It also called on the Commissioner of Police in Borno State to remain professional and ensure that the police were not used for partisan political purposes.
The ADC further urged civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association and other groups concerned about democratic rights to condemn the arrests.
“We want to assure the good people of Borno State that we will continue to stand for their rights. No amount of intimidation will silence the voice of the people,” Mustapha said.
The development comes as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, reports indicate that the Borno State Police Command has charged five men in connection with the printing and wearing of the T-shirts. A First Information Report reportedly accused them of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.
The men were identified as Baba Aji Gremami, Mustapha Abba Yemen, Abbacha Mohammed Ali, Adam Umar Gubio and Abdulhamid Mohammed. They reportedly pleaded not guilty when the case was brought before a Magistrates’ Court in Maiduguri.
The police Public Relations Officer, ASP Keneth Daso, had not responded to inquiries concerning the arrests at the time of the ADC statement.
