The Special Adviser to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Media and Communications, Malam Dauda Iliya, has dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council that the governor threatened opposition politicians with arrest.

Iliya, in a statement issued in Maiduguri, said the allegation was politically motivated and resulted from what he described as a misinterpretation of the governor’s recent media engagement with journalists.

He said Zulum’s comments were focused on the need to tackle rising social vices and criminal activities capable of undermining peace and stability in the state.

According to him, the governor was particularly concerned about youths moving around in shirts bearing images of knives and clubs, which he said could promote violence and threaten public order.

Iliya said Borno had experienced an increase in gangsterism, kidnapping of underage girls, illegal abortions, phone snatching and other social vices following years of Boko Haram insurgency.

He said the state government subsequently established an Anti-Vices security outfit to address the challenges.

The governor’s aide said the initiative had contributed to improved security in Maiduguri and its surrounding areas.

He stressed that Zulum did not mention the ADC, the “Tinubu Must Go” group or any opposition political party during the media engagement.

The clarification followed an allegation by the ADC campaign council over a circulating video in which Zulum was purportedly heard threatening to arrest and detain people using the “Tinubu Must Go” slogan.

The ADC had asked the governor to explain the video and reconcile it with his earlier denial that he ordered the arrest of people wearing shirts bearing the slogan.

Iliya urged political actors to exercise restraint and avoid politicising security and peace-related matters, particularly given Borno’s history of insurgency.

He said maintaining peace and stability was essential for all political parties to operate and conduct campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The aide maintained that the governor’s comments should be understood within the context of efforts to address criminal activities and preserve public order in the state.