The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) has condemned the alleged arrest of members of the “Tinubu Must Go” (TMG) movement in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the development as an abuse of power.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Media and Publicity of the ADC PCC, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the action amounted to intimidation and an attempt to silence citizens expressing political views.
“The arrest of members of the Tinubu Must Go (#TMG) movement in Maiduguri by the state governor is reckless and a total abuse of power and office,” Ologbondiyan said.
He said Nigerians had a constitutional right to express their political preferences and opinions, including calls to vote for the party and candidate of their choice in 2027.
He said expressing the slogan “Tinubu must go” constituted political expression and did not amount to a criminal offence.
Ologbondiyan said arrests, harassment and intimidation would not deter Nigerians from exercising their franchise.
“The intimidation of citizens through arrest and other unlawful means will not deter people from voting in the 2027 election,” he said.
The ADC PCC called on Governor Babagana Zulum to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested and guarantee their safety.
It also urged the authorities to ensure that no harm came to the detainees.
Ologbondiyan recalled that when the All Progressives Congress (APC) was in opposition, its members criticised the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, but Jonathan did not order the arrest of citizens for exercising their right to free speech.
The council appealed to the international community, including the African Union, European Union, British High Commission and United States Embassy, to take note of the development and support efforts to protect the democratic space and fundamental rights.