ADC Urges FG to Embrace Dissenting Voices Amid Alleged Coup Plot

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the federal government against using the recent reports of an alleged coup plot as a justification to suppress opposition leaders and initiate extrajudicial surveillance on dissenting voices.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed its grave concern regarding any threats to Nigeria’s democratic framework. The ADC cautioned that the federal government should not exploit this situation to instill fear, silence opposing views, or gain political advantage under the pretense of national security.

The statement reads: “The ADC has been closely observing reports of an alleged coup plot involving arrested military personnel and subsequent media claims that a former Southern governor is being investigated for allegedly funding the suspects.

“While we firmly oppose any actions that threaten Nigeria’s constitutional order, we are equally worried about the potential misuse of such allegations to justify political witch-hunts, stifle dissent, or manipulate public opinion.

“We are particularly troubled by the mixed messages coming from government sources, especially since the Defence Headquarters has publicly denied ever mentioning a coup plot, despite widespread media reports asserting otherwise. This inconsistency raises serious concerns that the coup narrative may have been politically orchestrated.

“The ADC is especially worried that the federal government has not considered it necessary to issue a clear statement on this serious issue, particularly after military authorities repeatedly denied that there was any threat to the government. By remaining silent, the government has allowed the coup narrative to persist for unknown reasons.

“What is evident, however, is that the government is utilizing the coup narrative to divert attention from the pressing issues of misgovernance in the country and to gain public sympathy.

“Moreover, subsequent anonymous media reports allegedly implicating unnamed politicians in the so-called plot now provide a pretext for the government to suppress opposition figures or conduct unwarranted surveillance on them.

“We recognize that the APC government is in a state of desperation. However, such desperation must never jeopardize our democracy or infringe upon the democratic rights of citizens.

“The ADC therefore urges the federal government to promptly clarify the true nature of the alleged coup. The government has a responsibility to decisively address the circulating rumors.

“Conversely, if there is indeed any threat to national security, the government must be transparent about it and inform the nation accordingly. The government must refrain from weaponizing national security as a pretext to silence opposition and political dissent.

“The ADC is unwavering in its opposition to any form of dictatorship, whether military or its civilian counterpart. We therefore support any legitimate actions taken to defend our constitution and democracy. Likewise, we oppose any attempts by the government to intimidate legitimate voices under the guise of national security.”