ADC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over what it described as an “existential threat” to Nigeria’s democracy under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the party accused the Federal Government of pursuing punitive economic policies while allegedly shrinking the democratic space and targeting opposition parties.

The ADC alleged that opposition political parties have been systematically weakened over the past three years, a situation it said could pave the way for a de facto one-party state dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party further claimed that there were ongoing attempts to interfere with and destabilize its internal democratic processes, particularly concerning the selection of its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reaffirming its position, the ADC leadership said it remains committed to a transparent, credible, and competitive process for choosing its flagbearer, warning that any form of external interference, especially through alleged proxies of the presidency, would not be tolerated.

The statement noted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar remains central to the party’s strategy of building a credible national alternative to the ruling party.

It also referenced recent political developments involving former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, including his public declaration of ADC membership in Enugu, which the party said triggered reactions from government officials that reflected fear of genuine opposition unity.

The ADC called for a return to democratic norms, urging that opposition figures be allowed to participate freely in the political process. It warned that any attempt to intimidate, coerce, or undermine its activities would only strengthen its resolve to “rescue Nigeria” from what it described as a failing administration.