The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of attempting to stifle legitimate opposition under the guise of protecting national security. This follows recent comments by a presidential aide that the ADC described as inflammatory and dangerous.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles, insisting it has no intention of undermining Nigeria’s democracy. Rather, it said its mission is to rescue the nation from what it termed the “irredeemable incompetence” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over what he called the APC’s growing intolerance for dissent, questioning why the ruling party seems threatened by opposition voices.
Abdullahi’s remarks were in reaction to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who alleged that some political figures were plotting to overthrow what he called “the most focused, most transformative administration in Nigeria’s history.”
Describing Onanuga’s statement as “irresponsible and defamatory,” the ADC warned that such rhetoric could be exploited to justify a broader clampdown on critics and opposition figures.
“Bayo Onanuga’s tweet is a textbook example of a political dog whistle,” the party stated. “It suggests that the APC-led government may be crafting a false narrative to criminalise legitimate political opposition and justify authoritarian measures in the name of national security.”
Reiterating its position, the ADC maintained that it remains committed to democratic values and has no agenda to disrupt the political process. Abdullahi further criticised the APC for forgetting its own history as an opposition party.
“It is ironic that the same party which rose to power through opposition now finds the very idea of opposition intolerable,” he said.
The party called on President Tinubu to caution his aides, particularly those making what it described as “unfounded and provocative claims that could further inflame the political atmosphere, especially with two years to the next general election.”
The ADC also urged Nigerians to stay vigilant against any subtle moves aimed at delegitimising the opposition and eroding the country’s democratic space.
