Zulum Recounts How Police Detained Him Over LG Chairmanship Ambition

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has narrated how he was arrested and detained by the police after declaring his intention to contest for the chairmanship of Mafa Local Government Area of the state.

Zulum disclosed this on Wednesday while inaugurating the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council at the Multipurpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri.

The governor explained that the incident happened when he was still struggling to improve living conditions in his community and had expressed interest in becoming the local government chairman.

He recalled that before venturing into politics, he was involved in manual activities, including drawing water from a well, which left his hands injured and bleeding.

According to him, his decision to contest was driven by his desire to provide boreholes and improve access to clean water in Mafa.

However, his political ambition reportedly attracted allegations that he was connected to the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and was attempting to turn residents against local government officials.

The allegations eventually led to his arrest and detention by the police.

Zulum described the experience as the first and last time he personally declared interest in contesting an elective position.

He also observed that arrests and detention could sometimes occur during political struggles, adding that such incidents should not come as a surprise in the country’s political environment.

Speaking further, the governor discussed the demands of leadership, noting that governing a state requires patience, commitment and personal sacrifice.

He disclosed that his daily responsibilities often keep him in the office until late at night, with some of his working days ending between 11:30pm and 1:30am.

Zulum also addressed criticisms surrounding his administration, particularly allegations linking him to the recent arrest of protesters who reportedly participated in the campaign calling for President Bola Tinubu to leave office.

The governor denied having prior knowledge of the incident, explaining that he only became aware of what happened at the mosque the following morning.

He said he had accepted the criticism because of the responsibility he owed the people who elected him into office.

With his tenure gradually approaching its end, Zulum used the occasion to call for forgiveness, reconciliation and unity among members of the APC.

He recalled a spiritual experience at the Kaaba in Saudi Arabia, where he prayed alongside President Bola Tinubu. The governor said he used the opportunity to forgive everyone who had offended him and also sought forgiveness from those he might have wronged.

He urged party members who lost during the recent primaries to put aside their differences and support the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.