ADC speaks on alleged coup plot

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has pushed back against allegations suggesting it intends to destabilise Nigeria’s democratic system, maintaining that it plans to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) strictly through electoral means.

The party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the clarification in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja. His response follows claims attributed to Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who alleged that opposition parties were plotting to unseat President Bola Tinubu before the end of his tenure.

Describing the accusations as unfounded, Abdullahi said the remarks appeared to be part of a strategy to suppress opposition activity under the pretense of safeguarding national security.

“We are not soldiers, we are politicians. We don’t have bullets; we only have the ballots.
“When the time comes, we will only present our solutions and an alternative vision of the future to the Nigerian people and leave them to make their choice,” he stated.

Abdullahi questioned why the APC, once a key opposition force itself, seemed uncomfortable with political opposition now that it holds power.

He cautioned the presidency against making inflammatory statements that could heighten political tensions with two years still left before the next general election.

“We urge the President to caution his aides from further baseless and dangerous allegations that may heat up the system even two years ahead of the next election,” he said.

He also encouraged citizens to remain alert to any attempts to silence opposition voices or manipulate public opinion.

“The health of Nigeria’s democracy depends on a free, open, and competitive political environment,” Abdullahi added.

Reaffirming the ADC’s dedication to democratic principles, Abdullahi emphasized the party’s commitment to national development through peaceful and lawful engagement in the political process.
“We remain committed to building a better Nigeria through peace and democratic participation,” he said.