In what appears to be a new phase of Nigeria’s pre-election drama, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised serious allegations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. According to the party, there is a calculated attempt to destabilize the newly formed opposition coalition by using underhanded tactics, coercion, and sabotage.
The Accusation: Secret Meetings, Intimidation, and Coercion
The ADC, which recently emerged as the nerve center of Nigeria’s united opposition front, claims that some top appointees of the federal government have held clandestine meetings with former ADC state chairmen and members in the Northeast and Northwest regions. The aim of these meetings? Allegedly, to pressure these individuals into abandoning the opposition coalition and weakening the movement from within.
Speaking on behalf of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, stated:
“This is not politics. This is sabotage. These actions are not born out of national interest but pure desperation to cling to power by any means necessary.”
Context: Why Now?
The timing of this development is crucial. Just days ago, top political figures—including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rauf Aregbesola, and David Mark—officially threw their weight behind the ADC, making it the platform for a united opposition aiming to unseat Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
This coalition has since rattled the political landscape, breathing new life into conversations about leadership change, accountability, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.
The ADC believes that the alleged plot is a direct response to this momentum.
Is Democracy Under Threat?
The ADC has gone a step further, warning Nigerians that such political sabotage tactics could signal a creeping return to authoritarianism. The party’s statement warned:
“We must resist every move to return Nigeria to a one-party state. True democracy thrives on healthy opposition, not intimidation.”
This accusation has sparked debate across political and media circles, with many asking, are these claims credible or simply a political strategy to draw attention to the ADC?
Tinubu’s Camp Responds
While there hasn’t been an official rebuttal from the presidency at the time of writing, previous remarks from Tinubu’s camp have labeled the coalition members as
“A gathering of desperate, power-hungry politicians united only by their hatred for Tinubu.”
This war of words may just be the beginning of a long political season filled with alliances, betrayals, and high-stakes maneuvering.
Final Thoughts
Nigeria is entering a critical phase. As 2027 draws nearer, we can expect more political fireworks—but the real question remains: Can democracy thrive in an environment where opposition voices feel threatened?
If these allegations hold any truth, they pose a serious danger to Nigeria’s democratic future. The onus is on both the government and the opposition to act responsibly, prioritize the people, and ensure that the road to 2027 is fair, open, and democratic.
