The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarms over what it perceives as an emerging strategy by the Federal Government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), to silence dissent and stifle democratic opposition under the cover of national security concerns.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ADC emphasized that it remains firmly committed to democratic principles, distancing itself from any agenda that might destabilize the nation. Instead, the party said its primary focus is on offering credible alternatives to what it termed as the “continued mismanagement” by President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, expressed unease over the APC’s increasingly aggressive stance toward opposing views, suggesting the ruling party was exhibiting intolerance towards the very idea of political competition.
This came in reaction to a recent social media post by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, in which he accused unnamed politicians of conspiring to topple what he described as a highly focused and reform-driven administration.
The ADC condemned Onanuga’s remarks, branding them as inflammatory and unfounded. The party cautioned that such claims could serve as a convenient justification for clamping down on opposition figures and critics.
“Statements like these are not only reckless but also dangerous,” the ADC said. “They risk being used to legitimise authoritarian tendencies and to frame dissenters as threats to national stability.”
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Reiterating its stance, the ADC said it is fully invested in democratic processes, and has no interest in undermining the nation’s political structure.
“We are not agitators; we are politicians. Our tools are not weapons but ideas, policies, and votes,” Abdullahi said. “When election time comes, we will present our case to Nigerians and trust them to choose what is best for their future.”
He further criticized the APC for what he called a selective memory, noting the irony of a party that once thrived as an opposition force now appearing threatened by similar political engagement.
The ADC urged President Tinubu to caution his advisers against issuing provocative or baseless accusations that may incite political tension, especially with the next general elections still years away.
“Raising unfounded alarms only portrays the government as insecure and creates unnecessary anxiety among citizens,” the statement read.
The party also called on Nigerians to be vigilant against efforts aimed at shrinking the political space or delegitimizing genuine opposition voices.
“Our democracy can only survive in an environment that encourages open dialogue, political participation, and a healthy contest of ideas,” it added.
In conclusion, the ADC appealed to international stakeholders—including democratic nations, civil rights groups, and global electoral observers—to keep watch over developments in Nigeria and ensure that political freedoms are upheld.
“Our resolve remains unchanged,” the party said. “We believe in building a greater Nigeria—through peace, civic engagement, and the ballot, not the bullet.”
