Borno ADC Challenges Zulum Government Over Opposition Space as Bwala Rejects Allegations
By Reloaded News Desk
Maiduguri–The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State has challenged claims that opposition parties enjoy sufficient political freedom under Governor Babagana Zulum, opening a fresh exchange with former state commissioner Inuwa Bwala over the conditions facing opposition groups.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, the ADC disputed Bwala’s assessment of the political environment, raising questions about the demolition of a property belonging to an opposition figure, the arrest of youths who displayed anti-government placards and alleged difficulties securing approval for political activities.
Bwala, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), rejected the criticism and defended the governor’s record, arguing that the incidents cited by the opposition should not automatically be interpreted as political intimidation.
The exchange has brought the question of political participation in Borno back into focus as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.
ADC questions demolition and arrests
The opposition party questioned the demolition of a three-storey plaza belonging to Atom Magira, an opposition figure in Maiduguri. It asked whether the action was consistent with claims that the state provides an accommodating environment for political opponents.
The ADC also raised concerns about the arrest of five youths who displayed “Tinubu Must Go” placards in Maiduguri.
It further alleged that it had encountered difficulties obtaining approval for political activities and displaying campaign materials.
The party called on civil society organisations and relevant professional bodies to pay attention to what it described as obstacles to opposition participation.
These claims require independent examination. The circumstances surrounding the demolition, the grounds for the arrests and the processing of applications for political activities are central to establishing whether the allegations reflect political discrimination or the application of ordinary regulations.
Bwala disputes the allegations
Bwala said the demolition was connected to alleged violations of building approval requirements and encroachment on a right of way.
He maintained that the relevant urban planning authorities had issued notices before the demolition. He also argued that enforcement actions had affected people associated with the ruling party, disputing the suggestion that the exercise was politically targeted.
On the arrests, Bwala challenged the ADC to substantiate its allegation that the governor had ordered the detention.
His response presents a different account of the incidents, but the competing statements do not independently establish the circumstances in which the demolition and arrests occurred.
The wider question of opposition rights
The disagreement raises an important question ahead of 2027: can opposition parties in Borno organise, campaign and criticise the government without facing arbitrary restrictions?
That question cannot be settled by political statements alone. Planning records, arrest documentation, venue applications and responses from the relevant authorities would help establish whether the rules were applied consistently.
The state government also has an opportunity to address the specific allegations with documentary evidence rather than leave the dispute to competing political claims.
For the ADC, the responsibility is to substantiate its allegations. For the authorities, transparency over enforcement decisions and access to political venues would help demonstrate that political participation is not being restricted unfairly.
The immediate issue is therefore not simply whether the ADC and Bwala agree. It is whether the claims made by both sides can be tested against verifiable evidence before the political atmosphere surrounding the 2027 elections becomes more intense.
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