“Tinubu’s Administration Laying Foundation to Clamp Down on Opposition Leaders” – ADC

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of laying the groundwork for a systematic crackdown on opposition leaders, following a controversial tweet by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga. The party condemned Onanuga’s claim that the opposition is plotting to overthrow the government before the 2027 elections, describing it as reckless, malicious, and potentially dangerous for Nigeria’s democratic future.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ADC spokesperson Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said the comments reflect a broader attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate and repress dissent. He warned that such unsubstantiated allegations could serve as a pretext to criminalize legitimate political activity and silence alternative voices under the guise of national security.

“Bayo Onanuga’s tweet is a textbook example of a political dog whistle,” the statement read. “The APC-led federal government appears to be constructing a false narrative that is designed to justify potential clampdown on dissent, and to criminalize legitimate opposition activity.”

Abdullahi emphasized that the ADC is fully committed to democratic processes. “We are not soldiers, we are politicians. We don’t have bullets; we only have the ballots. When the time comes, we will present our solutions and an alternative vision of the future to the Nigerian people and let them decide.”

The party expressed disbelief at what it called the APC’s intolerance of opposition, despite having come to power as an opposition party itself. It urged President Tinubu to caution his aides against making baseless accusations, arguing that such rhetoric only serves to heat up the polity and projects a sense of panic.

Calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant, the ADC urged the public to reject what it sees as an attempt to delegitimize opposition voices and undermine political competition. The party also appealed to the international community, democratic governments, observers, and human rights organizations to closely monitor the evolving political environment in Nigeria and to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for any actions that threaten democratic freedoms.

The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to building a better Nigeria through peaceful engagement, democratic participation, and the power of the people.