The Presidency has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the party as one struggling with internal instability and a lack of coordination.
This response came from Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, after the ADC National Legislators Forum criticised the president’s comments on the party’s national convention.
The ADC forum, led by former House of Representatives member Nnenna Ukeje, had accused the administration of undermining democracy and shrinking political space, warning that Nigeria was at a critical democratic point. The group also pointed to Tinubu’s past as an opposition figure, arguing that his current leadership contradicts his earlier stance on democratic freedoms and judicial independence.
In a statement posted on 𝕏, Dare rejected the claims and accused the ADC of internal confusion and political theatrics. He described the party as a hastily assembled opposition group attempting to gain attention through accusations against the government.
He said the ADC’s approach followed a familiar pattern of attacking the presidency, questioning the electoral process, and making unverified allegations in order to attract international attention.
Dare also criticised the forum’s spokesperson, Nnenna Ukeje, while acknowledging her past experience in the National Assembly, saying the party was relying on rhetoric rather than substance.
He further argued that the ADC’s own statements had acknowledged President Tinubu’s democratic credentials, including his past role in strengthening opposition politics and defending democratic governance, which he said contradicted their later accusations.
According to him, it was inconsistent for the group to praise Tinubu’s democratic record and then attempt to portray him as a threat to the same values without evidence.
Dare maintained that the President did not directly reference the ADC in his remarks, stating that his comments were general and consistent with his approach as a national leader addressing broader political issues.
