…Warns of crackdown
The African Democratic Congress, (ADC), has dismissed allegations by the Presidency that the opposition is plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, insisting that any change in leadership will come through the ballot box, not violence.
Reacting to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, who claimed on social media that the opposition coalition was conspiring to topple the government before the 2027 general elections, the ADC described the comment as “reckless, baseless and dangerous.”
In a statement signed by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary and spokesperson for the opposition coalition, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of fabricating a false narrative to justify a systematic crackdown on opposition leaders under the guise of safeguarding national security.
“Bayo Onanuga’s tweet is a textbook example of a political dog whistle. The APC-led federal government appears to be constructing a narrative to criminalise legitimate opposition and intimidate dissenting voices”, Abdullahi said.
He warned that such allegations could pave the way for targeted harassment and repression of political opponents. “In fact, it might actually set the stage for a systematic clampdown on opposition leaders”, he noted.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic principles, the ADC stressed that it remains dedicated to rescuing Nigeria from what it called the administration’s “hopeless incompetence” – through peaceful and democratic means.
“We are not soldiers; we are politicians. We don’t have bullets; we only have ballots. When the time comes, we will offer Nigerians a credible alternative and allow the people to decide their future,” the statement read.
The ADC also questioned why the All Progressives Congress (APC), once an opposition party itself, would now seek to stifle dissent. It called on President Tinubu to rein in his aides and refrain from inflaming the political climate with “malicious and baseless allegations”.
“This manner of crying wolf where there is none does not make the president look good and only betrays a sense of panic”, Abdullahi added.
The party urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to delegitimise the opposition. It also called on the international community, democratic governments and human rights organisations to monitor Nigeria’s political environment and hold the Tinubu administration accountable for any actions that threaten democratic freedoms.
“The ADC remains committed to building a better Nigeria through peace, participation, and the power of the people”, the statement concluded.
