The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State has strongly condemned the arrest of five young men in Maiduguri for wearing T-shirts with the message “Tinubu Must Go,” calling the action a violation of fundamental rights and urging their immediate release. The incident, which occurred recently, has sparked concern over freedom of expression in the region. According to Baba Ahmed Mustapha, Publicity Secretary of the ADC’s Borno chapter, the youths were detained by security operatives after being seen wearing the politically charged apparel. He emphasized that such expressions are protected under Nigerian law and should not be criminalized.
Mustapha stated in a press statement issued on Tuesday night that the party was informed of the arrests and expressed deep alarm at what it described as an overreach by security agencies. He argued that wearing clothing with political messages is a legitimate form of protest and dissent, especially in a democracy. “Expressing political opinion through attire is a basic right,” he said, adding that no individual should be arrested for peacefully voicing their views. The ADC insists that the detention of the youths amounts to an infringement on their constitutional right to free speech.
The party further called on the Borno State Commissioner of Police to ensure that security forces uphold professionalism and respect legal boundaries when enforcing public order. It stressed that law enforcement must not be used as a tool to suppress political opposition or intimidate citizens. The ADC also urged civil society organizations, human rights groups, and other stakeholders to speak out against what it termed the misuse of state power to silence dissent. Such actions, the party warned, could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about the treatment of political protesters and critics across Nigeria. While the government often cites national security as justification for detaining individuals, the ADC maintains that peaceful expression—even if critical of leadership—must remain protected. The party reiterated its commitment to defending democratic principles and will continue to monitor developments surrounding the case. As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see whether the authorities will act in accordance with the rule of law or further restrict civic freedoms.
The arrest of these five youths underscores ongoing tensions between state authority and citizen rights in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape. Their release and the broader implications for free expression will likely remain points of discussion in both political and public spheres moving forward.
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