Opposition Not Plotting to Overthrow Tinubu, ADC Tells Onanuga

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed claims by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, alleging that the opposition is conspiring to “overthrow” President Bola Tinubu.

On Monday, Onanuga, in a post on X, accused critics of attempting to derail what he described as the “most focused, most transformative” administration in Nigeria’s history.

“Emir Sanusi warned Nigerians about what to expect from Tinubu’s reforms,” Onanuga wrote, quoting a video clip. “It’s not going to be easy,’ he said. ‘If anybody tells you it would be easy, don’t vote for him.’

“Just two years into Tinubu’s reforms, the haters of Nigeria’s progress are banding together to overthrow an administration that has been the most focused and transformative in our history.”

Responding in a statement on Wednesday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi condemned the comments as “reckless” and “an attempt to create a false narrative” to justify a clampdown on opposition leaders.

“This tweet by Bayo Onanuga is a textbook example of a political dog whistle,” the statement read. “The APC-led federal government appears to be constructing a narrative designed to criminalise legitimate opposition under the guise of national security.”

The ADC stressed that it remains committed to democratic principles and has no interest in destabilising the country.

“We are not soldiers; we are politicians. We don’t have bullets — we only have ballots. At the right time, we will present our solutions and an alternative vision for Nigeria and allow the people to decide,” Abdullahi said.

The party criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what it described as intolerance of dissent, noting that the APC itself once gained power through opposition politics.

“It is ironic that a party which came into office as an opposition now finds it strange that others are playing the same role,” the statement added.

The ADC called on President Tinubu to caution his aides, warning that unsubstantiated allegations could heighten political tensions ahead of the 2027 general election.

“This constant crying wolf where there is none does not help the president’s image. Instead, it betrays a sense of panic within the government,” Abdullahi said.

He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against any attempts to delegitimise alternative voices and restrict political freedoms.

The ADC further appealed to the international community, democratic governments, and rights groups to monitor Nigeria’s political climate and hold the federal government accountable for any suppression of civil liberties.