The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Federal Government not to exploit reports of an alleged coup plot as a pretext to suppress opposition voices or intimidate dissenting citizens.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed deep concern over the manner the Federal Government has handled the coup rumour, warning against any attempt to weaponise national security for political advantage.
Abdullahi said while the ADC condemns any act capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy, it is equally wary of the government’s silence and what it described as “conflicting signals” regarding the alleged plot — especially after the Defence Headquarters publicly denied knowledge of such an incident.
“We view any threat to Nigeria’s democratic order with utmost seriousness,” the statement read. “However, we oppose any ploy by the government to instil fear, silence dissenting voices, or engineer political advantage under the guise of national security.”
The ADC noted that recent media reports suggesting that unnamed politicians were being linked to the alleged plot appeared to be part of a deliberate effort to justify surveillance or clampdowns on opposition figures.
“What is clear, however, is that the government is exploiting the coup story to divert attention from issues of misgovernance and to curry public sympathy,” Abdullahi added. “The APC government must not endanger our democracy in its desperation to control the political narrative.”
The opposition party, while reaffirming its stance against any form of dictatorship — military or civilian — called on the Federal Government to clarify the true nature of the alleged coup and brief Nigerians transparently on the matter.
“If there is indeed a threat to national security, the government owes it to the nation to be open and factual,” the ADC stressed. “Conversely, if the story is unfounded, it must decisively quash the rumour rather than allow it to fester as a political tool.”
The party also reminded the administration that democracy thrives on accountability and open dialogue, not fear and suppression.
“Nigeria’s democracy has survived decades of trials. It must not now be weakened by those entrusted to defend it,” the statement concluded.
