ADC Warns FG: Don’t Use Alleged Coup Plot to Silence Opposition

By Jeremy Fregene

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the federal government against using the recent alleged coup plot as a pretext to stifle dissent, intimidate political opponents, or justify unlawful surveillance of citizens critical of its policies.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said while it views any attempt to subvert Nigeria’s constitutional democracy with utmost seriousness, it would resist any effort by the government to manipulate the situation for political advantage.

“The ADC has been closely monitoring reports of an alleged coup plot involving arrested military officers and subsequent claims that a former Southern governor is under investigation for allegedly funding the suspects,” the statement said. “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 party expressed dismay at what it called the federal government’s “deafening silence” on the matter, noting that the Defence Headquarters had already denied confirming any coup plot despite widespread media reports. Abdullahi said this inconsistency had created fears that the story might have been politically motivated.

“The ADC is particularly concerned that the federal government has not deemed it fit to make a categorical statement on this very serious matter, especially after the military authorities repeatedly denied that there was such a threat. By keeping quiet, the government has deliberately allowed the coup story to fester for whatever reason,” Abdullahi said.

He accused the administration of exploiting the alleged plot to divert public attention from what he described as “the real issues of misgovernance and hardship confronting Nigerians.” According to him, subsequent media reports linking unnamed politicians to the so-called plot appear to have provided “a convenient pretext for the government to clamp down on opposition figures or mount undue surveillance on them.”

“We understand that the APC government is desperate,” Abdullahi stated. “But such desperation must never be allowed to endanger our democracy or undermine the democratic rights of citizens.”

The ADC urged the federal government to clarify the true nature of the alleged coup and to be transparent about any genuine threats to national security. Abdullahi said Nigerians deserve a clear and factual briefing from their leaders, not “innuendoes or media manipulation.”

“Government must desist from weaponising national security as a pretext to silence opposition and political dissent,” the party warned. “If there is indeed a threat to the democratic order, Nigerians must be informed openly and truthfully. Conversely, if there is none, the government must put the rumours to rest rather than exploit them for sympathy.”

Reaffirming its position on democracy and civil liberties, the ADC said it remained opposed to any form of dictatorship — whether military or civilian — and would support legitimate measures to defend Nigeria’s democratic institutions. “We oppose any ploy by the government to intimidate legitimate voices under the guise of national security. Nigeria’s democracy must be protected from both the gun and the gavel of fear,” the statement concluded.