Opposition party warns against political intimidation
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to openly brief Nigerians on the alleged coup plot currently making national headlines. The party also cautioned against turning the sensitive issue into a political weapon to silence dissent or intimidate opposition figures.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said that while any threat to Nigeria’s democratic system must be taken seriously, the government must not use the situation as a tool for political persecution or undue surveillance.
“While we vehemently oppose any effort to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order, we are equally concerned about the potential misuse of such allegations to justify political witch-hunts, suppress dissent, or manipulate public sentiment,” the statement read.
Reports of military detentions and conflicting signals
The ADC’s comments follow widespread media reports linking some detained military officers to an alleged coup plot. According to unconfirmed accounts, security agencies are investigating claims that a former southern governor may have provided financial support to the suspected coup plotters.
However, the party expressed concern over the lack of clarity from government sources. While some reports suggest the military is conducting an investigation, the Defence Headquarters has publicly denied confirming any coup plot.
“Such inconsistency raises serious fears that the coup narrative may have been politically engineered,” the ADC noted.
Government silence fuels speculation
The party criticised what it described as “strategic silence” from the Tinubu administration, arguing that the lack of clear communication allows rumors and fear to spread unchecked. The ADC suggested that the unfolding narrative could be a calculated effort to shift public attention away from Nigeria’s pressing economic and governance challenges.
“What is clear, however, is that the government is using the coup story to distract from pressing national challenges and create a pretext to clamp down on opposition figures or place them under surveillance,” the statement alleged.
Political analysts have noted that coup allegations in Nigeria are highly sensitive given the country’s history with military rule. Such claims, when not properly addressed, can heighten political tensions and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
ADC demands transparency and national briefing
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi urged the federal government to either decisively dispel the coup rumors or provide Nigerians with a transparent and factual briefing if there is any credible threat to national security.
“The government must be transparent and accountable to the people. National security should never be manipulated for political gain,” he said.
The party also stressed the importance of upholding civil liberties, warning that using allegations of a coup to justify political crackdowns could damage Nigeria’s democratic image both locally and internationally.
Nigeria’s history with coup narratives
Nigeria has experienced multiple coups in its post-independence history, with the last successful military takeover occurring in 1993. Since returning to democracy in 1999, allegations of coup plots have occasionally surfaced, often prompting strong security responses.
However, governance experts argue that transparency and clear communication are the most effective tools for preventing panic and misinformation in such sensitive situations. The ADC’s statement echoes this view, urging the government to act responsibly and reassure citizens.
ADC reaffirms support for democracy
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance, the ADC said it supports any lawful measures aimed at defending Nigeria’s constitutional order. However, it firmly rejected any attempt to use national security as a tool for political advantage.
“We support any lawful measures taken to defend the constitution and democracy, but we reject any ploy to intimidate citizens under the guise of national security,” the party stated.
The ADC concluded by calling on civil society groups, the media, and democratic institutions to remain vigilant and resist any moves that may undermine the rule of law or erode democratic freedoms in the country.
Conclusion
As speculation continues to swirl over the alleged coup plot, the ADC’s statement adds to growing public pressure on the Tinubu administration to provide clear and credible information. Whether or not the allegations hold merit, many Nigerians are calling for transparency and restraint to prevent the issue from being politicised.
