African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State and former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Hon. Inuwa Bwala, have exchanged strong words over claims surrounding political tolerance and the space available for opposition parties in the state.
The controversy followed a Facebook post by Bwala, where he described Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration as tolerant of opposition voices and supportive of democratic engagement.
However, the ADC rejected the claim, accusing Bwala of attempting to “whitewash” the Borno State Government and present a situation different from what the party described as the reality on ground.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Baba Ahmed Mustapha, the ADC said it was “disheartening and a complete distortion of reality” for anyone to claim that opposition parties are allowed to operate freely in Borno.
The party said, “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.
“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.”
The ADC questioned whether the demolition of opposition members’ properties, alleged threats against opposition supporters, and arrests linked to political protests could be described as signs of political tolerance.
The party specifically referred to the demolition of a three-storey plaza belonging to Hon. Atom Magira, a known opposition figure in Maiduguri, asking, “Is demolition of opposition property tolerance?”
The statement added, “Borno people still remember the daylight demolition of the 3-storey plaza belonging to Hon. Atom Magira, a known opposition voice in Maiduguri. Till today, no clear court order or compensation has been shown to the public.”
The ADC also raised concerns over a viral video involving the Commissioner for Sports, Youths and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba, alleging that he threatened youths associated with opposition parties.
“Just last month, the Commissioner for Sports, Youths and Poverty alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba was on record in a viral video openly threatening youths who identify with opposition parties, telling them they will be dealt with,” the party stated.
On the arrest of five youths who displayed placards with the message “Tinubu Must Go” in Maiduguri, the ADC asked whether such action reflected democratic tolerance.
The party also alleged that it had faced difficulties securing venues for political activities and that its billboards were removed by the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA).
“We in ADC are not desperate. Desperation is when a government that has received over a trillion naira in 7 years is afraid of a 4-month-old opposition coalition,” the party said.
The party further called on professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and civil society organisations, to pay attention to political developments in the state.
Responding to the allegations, Bwala dismissed the ADC statement, saying the party’s spokesman lacked experience in 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 explained that his earlier write-up was not directed at the ADC but was an opinion based on his political position as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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 said.
The former commissioner accused the ADC of misrepresenting issues for political advantage, particularly regarding the demolition of Atom Magira’s plaza.
He said the demolition was connected to alleged building violations and not because of the owner’s political affiliation.
“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,” Bwala stated.
“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.”
On the alleged threat by the commissioner, Bwala said the statement had been taken out of context and later clarified by the official.
“The video being circulated was an out-of-context political appeal at a youth rally, where the Commissioner warned youths against political violence and thuggery,” he said.
Bwala also denied that Governor Zulum ordered the arrest of the “Tinubu Must Go” protesters, saying security agencies acted independently while maintaining public order.
“The arrest of persons carrying placards was done by security agencies in the course of maintaining public order during a period of heightened tension,” he said.
“Professor Zulum did not order any detention, and I challenge the ADC to prove otherwise.”
The former commissioner maintained that Governor Zulum had demonstrated commitment to democratic values by allowing opposition voices and encouraging constructive criticism.
“Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has shown tolerance that is rare. He has openly told opposition members to criticize his government constructively,” Bwala said.
He advised the ADC to focus on building its political structures rather than engaging in frequent criticisms of 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 said.
The exchange comes as political activities gradually increase ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties seeking stronger visibility across states while ruling parties defend their records and political support bases.
The disagreement between the ADC and Bwala highlights the growing debate over opposition participation, freedom of expression, and the quality of democratic competition in Borno State.