Baseless Treason Claim by Tinubu’s Aide Sparks ADC Warning of Looming Crackdown on Political Dissent

 

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a scathing critique of recent comments made by Bayo Onanuga, a senior aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his allegation of an opposition plot to unseat the current government as both reckless and sinister.

A statement issued by the party’s interim spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, strongly condemned the tweet in which Onanuga accused opposition parties of scheming to topple the Tinubu administration before the 2027 general elections. The ADC says such unverified claims are not only inflammatory but appear to be part of a deliberate campaign to intimidate political opponents and undermine democratic engagement in Nigeria.

Reacting to the development a week after the unveiling of a new opposition coalition in Abuja, the ADC noted that the timing and tone of the allegations point to a larger agenda by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Abdullahi, Onanuga’s remarks resemble a calculated effort to fabricate a pretext for suppressing dissent.

The statement described the tweet as “a textbook example of a political dog whistle,” accusing the presidency of orchestrating a narrative that seeks to blur the line between constructive political engagement and national sabotage. Abdullahi insisted that the ADC, as part of the larger opposition coalition, remains committed to democratic principles and peaceful political processes.

Far from plotting an unconstitutional seizure of power, the party emphasized that its only tools are democratic in nature. “We are not soldiers; we are politicians. We don’t have bullets; we only have the ballots,” Abdullahi said. “When the time comes, we will simply offer our solutions and a new vision to the Nigerian people and let them decide.”

Critics have pointed out the irony in the APC’s current stance. The party itself rose to power as a former opposition group that challenged the dominance of the then-ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP). Abdullahi questioned how the same political group that once thrived on opposition politics now seems threatened by it.

Observers see this unfolding tension as a critical moment for Nigeria’s democracy. The ADC warned that reckless accusations from the presidency could incite tension and create an environment hostile to free political participation. The party urged President Tinubu to rein in his aides and discourage the propagation of what it called “dangerous fabrications.”

Statements like Onanuga’s, according to the ADC, serve no useful purpose beyond inflaming political temperature and laying the groundwork for state-sanctioned persecution of dissenting voices. Abdullahi said the country cannot afford such distractions, especially at a time when the government faces serious challenges in areas such as security, economy, and governance.

“The APC-led federal government seems so unsettled that it now chooses to label legitimate political activity as treasonous. This only signals panic and a disturbing desire to silence dissent through fear,” the statement said.

Nigerians were also urged to remain alert and question the motives behind such incendiary claims. The ADC called on citizens to resist all attempts aimed at undermining the opposition and to continue demanding accountability, openness, and respect for democratic norms.

Beyond its national appeal, the ADC reached out to the international community, including democratic governments, human rights organizations, and election observers, asking them to pay closer attention to developments in Nigeria’s political space. The party emphasized that global democratic standards require vigilance against any government actions that attempt to erode civil liberties or suppress political competition.

Abdullahi concluded by reaffirming the coalition’s commitment to non-violent democratic change. The ADC, he said, remains focused on building a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria through civic participation and peaceful political engagement.

The growing tension between the Tinubu administration and opposition groups adds yet another layer of complexity to Nigeria’s evolving political climate. As 2027 approaches, political observers will be watching closely to see whether democratic ideals are upheld or sacrificed in the name of control.

Signed:
Bolaji Abdullahi
Interim National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress
Spokesperson, National Opposition Coalition

[Source]