Protest Crackdown: ADC Demands Urgent Answers from Zulum Over Alleged 'Tinubu Must Go' Arrest Directive

The political atmosphere in Nigeria has taken a tense turn as the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) formally demanded a swift, transparent explanation from Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum. This demand follows the circulation of a controversial viral video in which the governor allegedly directed security agencies to arrest individuals protesting under the banner of "Tinubu Must Go." The directive has sparked widespread concern among civil society organizations and political watchdogs who view the order as a heavy-handed attempt to suppress civil liberties.

According to unconfirmed accounts, the footage appears to show Governor Zulum expressing deep dissatisfaction with protesters calling for the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid the country's prevailing economic challenges. In the video, the governor reportedly instructed law enforcement officers to treat such protesters as saboteurs, sparking immediate pushback from opposition figures who argue that peaceful dissent is a fundamental pillar of any functioning democracy.

Reacting to the development, the national leadership of the ADC released a stern statement emphasizing that the right to peaceful protest is sacred and protected under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The party warned that using state apparatus to silence citizens expressing genuine frustration over inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and rising hunger could yield dangerous consequences for national stability.