ADC Accuses APC-Led FG of Using National Security as a Cover to Silence Opposition
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of orchestrating a campaign to stifle opposition voices under the pretense of safeguarding national security.
In a strongly worded statement issued Wednesday, the ADC insisted it remains committed to democratic principles and is focused solely on rescuing Nigeria from what it called the “irredeemable incompetence” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, criticized the APC for its increasing intolerance of dissent, questioning its apparent unease with the role of opposition in a democratic society.
This response follows a social media post by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who alleged that certain politicians were conspiring to overthrow what he described as “the most focused and transformative administration in Nigeria’s history.”
The ADC dismissed Onanuga’s comments as “irresponsible and defamatory,” warning that such rhetoric could be used to justify a clampdown on opposition figures and activists.
“Onanuga’s tweet is a classic example of political fear-mongering,” the ADC stated. “The APC government appears to be fabricating a narrative to criminalize legitimate political opposition under the guise of national security.”
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, the party declared:
“We are not interested in derailing democracy. We are politicians, not soldiers. Our tools are ballots, not bullets. When the time comes, we will present our vision and let Nigerians decide.”
Abdullahi further pointed out the irony of the APC’s stance, noting that it once thrived as an opposition party but now seeks to delegitimize the very process that brought it to power.
The ADC called on President Tinubu to caution his aides against making “reckless and inflammatory allegations,” especially as the country is still two years away from another general election.
“This kind of alarmist behavior projects panic, not confidence,” the party added.
Calling for public vigilance, the ADC warned of ongoing efforts to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and marginalize opposing voices.
“Our democracy thrives on openness, debate, and competition,” the party said.
The ADC also reached out to the international community—governments, human rights organizations, and election observers—urging them to monitor Nigeria’s political environment and hold the Tinubu administration accountable for any actions that may undermine democratic freedoms.
“We remain committed to building a better Nigeria—through peace, democratic participation, and the collective will of the people,” Abdullahi concluded.
