The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned recent claims from the Presidency suggesting that opposition parties are plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party, in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the allegation as “reckless, malicious, and politically dangerous,” warning that it could be a calculated attempt to intimidate dissenting voices and suppress legitimate democratic engagement.
The reaction follows a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga, who alleged that certain individuals opposed to the government’s reforms were “banding together to overthrow an administration that has been the most focused and transformative in our history.” He cited former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who had earlier said Tinubu’s reforms would face resistance but should not be misunderstood.
Abdullahi said Onanuga’s statement was a “textbook political dog whistle” intended to criminalize opposition and equate criticism with subversion. He stressed that the ADC was fully committed to the democratic process and had no intention of destabilizing the country.
“We don’t have bullets; we only have the ballot,” Abdullahi stated. “We are committed to rescuing Nigeria through democratic means, not by force.”
The party expressed concern that such unfounded accusations could be a prelude to a broader crackdown on opposition parties and civil society, thereby threatening Nigeria’s fragile democratic culture.
Abdullahi added, “The All Progressives Congress was once an opposition party and rose to power through the ballot. It is ironic that the same party now sees opposition as a threat to national security.”
The ADC called on President Tinubu to caution his aides against issuing provocative statements that could inflame tensions and undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
It also urged Nigerians to stay alert to any attempts to delegitimize opposition voices and called on the international community to closely monitor political developments in the country.
“The ADC remains committed to building a better Nigeria through peaceful participation and the power of the people,” the statement concluded.
