Coup Plot Allegation: ADC Cautions FG Against Clampdown On Opposition Leaders
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the Federal Government against using the recent reports of an alleged coup plot as an excuse to clamp down on opposition figures or to initiate extra-judicial surveillance on dissenting voices.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned that while it takes any threat to Nigeria’s democratic order seriously, the government must not exploit such sensitive developments to stifle opposition, intimidate citizens, or gain political advantage under the guise of national security.
The ADC said it had been monitoring reports suggesting that some military officers were arrested over an alleged coup plot and that a former southern governor was being investigated for allegedly funding them.
The party, however, expressed concern over what it described as “conflicting signals” coming from official quarters, noting that the Defence Headquarters had publicly denied ever mentioning a coup attempt.
According to the statement, the inconsistencies in the government’s communication have raised fears that the coup narrative may 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 had repeatedly denied that there was such a threat,” the party said.
It accused the government of allowing the coup story to linger deliberately in order to divert public attention from pressing governance issues and to curry sympathy.
The ADC further alleged that subsequent media reports linking unnamed politicians to the supposed plot could serve as a pretext for political persecution.
“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 party called on the Federal Government to immediately clarify the true nature of the alleged coup and to be transparent in its handling of the matter. It maintained that the government has a responsibility to decisively dispel rumours rather than exploit them for political gain.
“Government must desist from weaponising national security as a pretext to silence opposition and political dissent,” the statement added.
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy, warning against any return to authoritarianism.
“We are resolute in our opposition to dictatorship of any form, whether military or civilian. We support any legitimate action that defends our constitution and democracy but reject any ploy to intimidate legitimate voices under the guise of national security,” the statement concluded.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
