“ADC Urges FG: Don’t Use Alleged Coup to Intimidate Opponents”

Table of Contents

• ADC's Warning to the Federal Government
• Concerns Over Democratic Order
• Monitoring of Coup Reports
• Government's Inconsistent Responses
• Call for Transparency
• Protection of Opposition Rights

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the Federal Government against using recent reports of an alleged coup plot as a means to intimidate opposition leaders or stifle dissenting voices.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed serious concerns regarding any threats to Nigeria’s democratic framework.

However, the party warned that the government must not take advantage of the situation to instill fear, suppress criticism, or gain political leverage under the guise of national security.

“The ADC has been closely observing the reports of an alleged coup plot involving certain arrested military officers and claims that a former southern governor is being investigated for supposedly funding the suspects,” Abdullahi stated.

“While we firmly oppose any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order, we are equally apprehensive that such allegations could be manipulated to justify political witch-hunts or sway public opinion.”

The party voiced concern over the conflicting statements from government officials, highlighting that the Defence Headquarters had publicly denied ever announcing any coup plot, despite media reports indicating otherwise.

“Such inconsistencies raise fears that the coup narrative may have been politically orchestrated,” the statement added.

According to the ADC, the Federal Government’s silence on the issue is fostering suspicion and confusion among citizens.

“By remaining silent, the government has intentionally allowed the coup narrative to persist for any reason,” Abdullahi remarked. “What is evident, however, is that the government is leveraging the coup story to divert attention from the real issues of misgovernance and to gain sympathy.”

The party also warned that this situation could serve as a pretext to clamp down on opposition figures or subject them to surveillance.

“We recognize that the APC government is desperate, but such desperation must never jeopardize our democracy or undermine the democratic rights of citizens,” Abdullahi asserted.

The ADC urged the government to provide a clear and transparent statement regarding the alleged coup and to refrain from using national security as a weapon against political adversaries.

“If there is indeed a threat to national security, the government should inform the nation accordingly,” the statement emphasized.

“Otherwise, it must refrain from weaponizing national security as a pretext to silence opposition and political dissent.”

The party reiterated its firm stance against dictatorship in any form.

“The ADC supports all legitimate actions taken to defend our constitution and democracy,” Abdullahi concluded.

“In the same spirit, we oppose any attempt by the government to intimidate legitimate voices under the pretense of national security.”