Senator Ali Ndume has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could be declared persona non grata in Gwoza, Borno State, if the opposition party attempts to cause trouble in the area.
Ndume, who represents Borno South on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), issued the warning while addressing the controversy surrounding the alleged disruption of an APC political gathering in Gwoza.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the senator insisted that Gwoza remained an APC stronghold, dismissing suggestions that residents were turning against the ruling party.
“If ADC is coming to Gwoza with problems, they will be surprised; we will declare them non-grata,” Ndume warned.
“In Gwoza, it’s APC; we don’t know ADC,” he added.
Asked by programme host Seun Okinbaloye whether residents of Gwoza were angry with the APC, the senator responded: “Not in Gwoza.”
Ndume maintained that political contests in Gwoza had historically been conducted peacefully, without intimidation or violence between supporters of rival candidates.
He expressed concern that the ongoing political controversy could undermine that tradition, insisting that the community would resist attempts to introduce violence into its political activities.
The senator had earlier accused the ADC of allegedly bringing political thugs from outside Gwoza to disrupt an APC event on November 6.
He also questioned the opposition party’s political structure in the area, claiming that it had no established presence, identifiable office or visible campaign activities.
However, the Borno State ADC Campaign Council rejected Ndume’s allegations, describing them as unfounded.
The council’s Director of Communications, Bukar Bukar-Petrol, denied that the party had recruited thugs or participated in any violent disruption.
He maintained that the ADC’s recent engagements in Gwoza, including visits to the Emir’s Palace, Pulka and internally displaced persons’ settlements, were peaceful.
The party challenged Ndume to produce credible evidence, including an official police report, linking its supporters to the alleged disruption.
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