The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to provide clear and direct communication to Nigerians concerning the alleged coup plot currently dominating headlines. The opposition party warned against using the situation to politically intimidate or silence opposition figures.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC urged the federal government to address the public’s concerns transparently. The party acknowledged the seriousness of any threat to the country’s democratic order but expressed deep concerns about the potential misuse of such allegations for political purposes.
“While we firmly oppose any actions that seek to undermine Nigeria’s democratic system, we also caution against exploiting this situation to harass or intimidate opposition groups, or to stifle free speech,” Abdullahi remarked.
The ADC’s statement follows reports that some military officers have been detained over their alleged involvement in a coup plot, with further claims suggesting that a former southern governor may be under investigation for funding the suspects. However, the party raised alarm over contradictory statements from the government, particularly noting the Defence Headquarters’ denial of the coup allegations, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
“This inconsistency in messaging only deepens the suspicion that the entire coup narrative may have been politically motivated,” the ADC said.
The opposition party also criticised the government’s handling of the situation, highlighting the administration’s silence as a strategic attempt to let the story spread unchecked. ADC members believe this could distract from the country’s most pressing issues and potentially serve as a pretext for cracking down on opposition voices.
“Rather than focusing on the real challenges the nation faces, the government appears to be using this so-called coup plot as a diversion to discredit and monitor opposition leaders,” Abdullahi alleged.
The ADC has called on the government to either dismiss the rumours outright or present any concrete evidence of a real threat to Nigeria’s national security. Abdullahi further emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the matter.
“We support every lawful measure to protect the constitution and democracy, but we will not tolerate the weaponisation of national security to suppress political dissent,” Abdullahi concluded.
In reaffirming its commitment to a democratic Nigeria, the ADC has made it clear that any attempt to use national security issues as a political weapon will be strongly resisted. The party called for an end to the narrative of fear and intimidation, demanding that the government act in the interest of all Nigerians.
