ADC Accuses FG of Using Security Concerns to Target Opposition Coalition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of attempting to silence opposition voices under the pretext of safeguarding national security.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ADC’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, denounced what he called a growing pattern of hostility by the APC toward dissent. He criticized recent remarks by President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who had alleged a plot by unnamed political actors to unseat the government.

Describing Onanuga’s comment as both “irresponsible and defamatory,” the ADC warned that the statement could be interpreted as laying the groundwork for a crackdown on opposition figures. “This is a classic case of political scapegoating,” the party said. “The APC appears to be constructing a narrative that could justify suppressing political rivals and branding legitimate opposition as subversion.”

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, insisting that its efforts were focused solely on providing Nigerians with a credible alternative to the current administration’s leadership. “We are not plotting coups; we are presenting ideas. Our tools are ballots, not bullets,” Abdullahi stated.

The party accused the APC of losing touch with its roots, noting that it once thrived as an opposition movement before coming to power. “It is ironic that a party which rode to power on the strength of opposition politics is now averse to being questioned,” the statement said.

The ADC urged President Tinubu to call his aides to order and advised against inflammatory rhetoric, warning that such tactics could create unnecessary political tension ahead of the 2027 elections. “Stoking fears with baseless accusations serves only to portray a government rattled by its own failures,” the party added.

Cautioning Nigerians to be vigilant, the ADC warned of covert strategies aimed at shrinking democratic space. It also called on the international community, human rights bodies, and democratic institutions to keep a close watch on the Nigerian political environment.

“The future of our democracy rests on political plurality, civic participation, and respect for opposing views,” the party stated. “The ADC remains committed to a peaceful and democratic struggle for a better Nigeria, guided by the will of the people.”