Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum
African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State and former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hon. Inuwa Bwala, have engaged in a fresh political exchange over claims on whether opposition parties enjoy enough space to operate in the state.
The controversy started after Bwala published a political analysis on his Facebook page, where he praised Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration for allowing opposition voices and democratic participation.
The ADC, however, disagreed with the former commissioner’s position, accusing him of defending the state government while ignoring what it described as challenges faced by opposition groups.
In a statement issued by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Baba Ahmed Mustapha, the ADC said Bwala’s comments did not reflect the situation experienced by opposition members in Borno.
“We have read the lengthy Facebook letter by Hon. Inuwa Bwala, former Commissioner for Information, attempting to whitewash the Borno State Government as tolerant of opposition,” the statement said.
The party said it would not remain silent when, according to it, “falsehood is dressed as analysis.”
“Ordinarily, we would not join issues with a former Commissioner looking for relevance and patronage, but when falsehood is dressed as analysis, the record must be set straight for Borno people and for history,” ADC stated.
The opposition party listed several issues it said raised questions about political freedom in the state.
It mentioned the demolition of a three-storey plaza belonging to Hon. Atom Magira, an opposition figure in Maiduguri, and questioned whether such action represented political tolerance.
“Is demolition of opposition property tolerance?” the party asked.
ADC also referred to alleged comments by the Commissioner for Sports, Youths and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba, claiming that the remarks amounted to a threat against opposition supporters.
The party further questioned the arrest of five youths who displayed “Tinubu Must Go” placards in Maiduguri, asking why citizens expressing political views should face detention.
“Is the detention of ‘Tinubu Must Go’ protesters tolerance?” the ADC asked.
The party also alleged that it had faced difficulties in organising political activities, including securing venues and displaying campaign materials.
“Where is the freedom for ADC to campaign? If opposition is thriving, why are we being denied venue approvals in Maiduguri Metropolitan?” it stated.
The ADC called on relevant professional bodies and civil society organisations to pay attention to political developments in the state.
Responding to the allegations, Bwala described the ADC statement as lacking facts and proper understanding of public communication.
“I hardly know the author of the so-called rejoinder, but I know we are classes apart,” Bwala said.
“Looking into his piece, it seems he does not have a good tutelage in public communication. And I dare say he needs better tutorials in the art.”
Bwala said his earlier write-up was not a response to the ADC but an opinion expressed from his position as an APC member.
“What I wrote was neither a letter nor a rejoinder, rather, it was an opinionated analysis, from a partisan viewpoint, because I am a stakeholder, as a member of the APC,” he explained.
On the demolition of Magira’s plaza, the former commissioner said the action was based on alleged violations of planning regulations and not political reasons.
“The Borno State Urban Planning Board (BOSUPB) had issued multiple notices over clear violations of building approval and right-of-way encroachment in that corridor,” he said.
Bwala added that government enforcement had affected both APC members and opposition figures where necessary.
“The government has demolished properties belonging to even staunch APC members who violated the same rules. To reduce an urban renewal enforcement to ‘opposition witch-hunt’ is mischief, no matter what coloration you try to give it,” he stated.
On the arrest of the protesters, Bwala said the action was carried out by security agencies while managing public order.
“Professor Zulum did not order any detention, and I challenge the ADC to prove otherwise,” he said.
He also defended Governor Zulum’s democratic record, saying the governor had encouraged constructive criticism from opposition groups.
“Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has shown tolerance that is rare. He has openly told opposition members to criticize his government constructively,” Bwala stated.
The former commissioner urged the ADC to focus on grassroots mobilisation and party development rather than attacking government officials.
“Build structures in wards, sensitize your members, and stop looking for relevance by attacking Inuwa Bwala or Professor Zulum. Borno people know the difference between governance and propaganda,” he added.
The political exchange comes as parties begin to intensify activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with issues around opposition participation, free expression and political competition expected to remain major topics of debate.
