The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over what it describes as a veiled attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to clamp down on political opposition under the guise of protecting national security. In a sharp rebuke, the party accused the presidency of manufacturing threats to democracy as a cover for suppressing dissent.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, faulted comments made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, describing them as “irresponsible and defamatory.”
Onanuga had, in a recent social media post, warned of an alleged plot by political elements “banding together to overthrow an administration that has been the most focused, most transformative in our history.”
But the ADC wasn’t having it.
“Bayo Onanuga’s tweet is a textbook example of a political dog whistle,” the party said. “The APC-led Federal Government appears to be constructing a false narrative designed to justify a potential crackdown on dissent and to criminalise legitimate opposition activities under the guise of national security.”
ADC Pushes Back: “We Use Ballots, Not Bullets”
Firmly distancing itself from any anti-democratic intentions, the ADC said its mission is not to undermine Nigeria’s democracy, but to rescue it from the “irredeemable incompetence” of the Tinubu-led government—using only democratic tools.
“We are not soldiers; we are politicians,” Abdullahi stated. “We don’t have bullets—only ballots. When the time comes, we will present our alternative vision to the Nigerian people and allow them to decide.”
He accused the ruling party of hypocrisy, recalling how the APC itself came to power as an opposition platform. “It is a great wonder that the same party, which once thrived as an opposition force, now finds the idea of opposition unacceptable,” he said.
Warning Bells & International Appeal
The ADC cautioned that Onanuga’s remarks could be laying the groundwork for a wider attempt to shrink civic space and label critics as enemies of the state.
“This manner of crying wolf where there is none does not make the president look good—it only betrays a deep sense of panic,” the party said.
The ADC also issued a call to Nigerians and the international community—including democratic governments, election observers, and human rights organisations—to pay close attention to the evolving political environment in Nigeria.
“We urge them to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for any actions that undermine democratic freedoms or violate the political rights of Nigerian citizens.”
Despite growing tensions, the ADC reaffirmed its belief in peaceful and democratic transition.
“We remain committed to building a better Nigeria—through peace, participation, and the power of the people.”
