Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has warned that anyone found using the “Tinubu Must Go” protest movement to incite violence or disrupt public peace in the state will be arrested and detained.
The warning comes amid growing controversy over the arrest of five men in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, over T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
The incident has sparked public debate over freedom of expression, political dissent and the handling of opposition activities in the state.
The five men were reportedly arrested on September 25, 2026, around the West End Roundabout in Maiduguri during a police patrol.
According to the Borno State Police Command, the suspects were allegedly found with two T-shirts bearing the controversial slogan, alongside substances suspected to be illicit drugs and other items.
They were subsequently charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, breach of public peace and thuggery.
However, the arrests have attracted criticism from human rights advocates, including Amnesty International, which argued that wearing a T-shirt expressing political opposition should not constitute a criminal offence.
The controversy intensified after a video allegedly showing Zulum issuing a directive for the arrest and detention of individuals associated with the protest slogan went viral.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council has since called on the governor to clarify the reported directive, questioning whether peaceful critics of President Bola Tinubu could face arrest for expressing their political views.
However, Zulum had earlier denied ordering the arrest of the five men, insisting that he had neither authorised nor directed the police to detain anyone for political reasons.
He maintained that his administration remained focused on restoring peace, rebuilding communities affected by insurgency and improving the lives of residents across Borno State.
The development comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with renewed calls for accountability and growing concerns over the protection of citizens’ democratic rights.
The governor’s reported warning has further intensified the debate over the distinction between peaceful political expression and actions capable of threatening public safety.
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