ADC Warns FG Against Using Alleged Coup Plot to Silence Opposition

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the Federal Government not to exploit the recent reports of an alleged coup plot as an excuse to target opposition leaders or suppress critical voices across the country.

In a statement released on Monday at the party's Headquarters, the  National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, cautioned that politicizing the alleged coup story could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and civil liberties.

The ADC's concerns come on the heels of reports that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) had arrested several military officers over alleged clandestine meetings aimed at toppling President Bola Tinubu's administration. 

However, the Defence Headquarters swiftly dismissed the claims as "false and malicious."

Despite the denial, the ADC expressed concern over the Federal Government’s silence, stating that its failure to clearly address the situation had allowed speculation to spread, heightening public unease.

“The ADC has been closely following reports of the alleged coup plot and subsequent media claims that a former southern governor is being investigated for purportedly funding the suspects,” the statement read in part.

“While we firmly reject any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order, we are equally worried that such allegations could be weaponised to justify political witch-hunts, suppress dissenting opinions, or manipulate public perception.”

The party further criticised the government for sending “conflicting signals,” noting that the Defence Headquarters had denied any mention of a coup despite persistent media narratives suggesting otherwise.

According to the ADC, this inconsistency has raised fears that the entire story may have been “politically engineered” to serve hidden interests.

“It is troubling that the Federal Government has yet to issue a definitive statement on the matter,” the statement added. “By maintaining silence, the government appears to be allowing the coup narrative to fester, possibly to distract the public from issues of poor governance and to evoke sympathy. 

The subsequent media attempts to link unnamed politicians to the so-called plot are even more worrisome, as they could provide a convenient excuse for surveillance or harassment of opposition figures.”

The ADC accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of resorting to desperate tactics that risk destabilising Nigeria’s democratic system.

Despite the denial, the ADC expressed disappointment over the Federal Government's silence on the matter, stating that it has allowed speculation to spread and fueled public unease. "The government's failure to clearly address the situation has raised fears that the entire story may have been politically engineered," Abdullahi said.

The ADC urged the Federal Government to clarify the situation and ensure that national security is not used as a pretext to intimidate opposition figures. "We remain committed to democratic values and will continue to oppose any attempts to silence legitimate voices under the guise of national security," the party declared.

Coupes in Nigeria

Nigeria has experienced a tumultuous past with numerous military coups shaping its history. Here are some key coups and coup attempts that have rocked the nation ¹:

Major Coups:

January 1966 Coup: Led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, this coup overthrew the government, resulting in the assassination of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and several other leaders.

July 1966 Counter-Coup: Northern officers retaliated, killing General Aguiyi-Ironsi and bringing Yakubu Gowon to power.

1975 Coup: Gowon was overthrown in a bloodless coup led by Brigadier Murtala Muhammed, who introduced reforms and planned a return to civilian rule.

1983 Coup: Major General Muhammadu Buhari seized power, citing economic mismanagement and corruption.

1985 Coup: General Ibrahim Babangida took power, promising reforms and economic liberalization.

1993 Coup: General Sani Abacha seized power, suspending the transition to civilian rule.

Failed Coup Attempts:

1976 Coup Attempt: Led by Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka, this attempt resulted in the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed.

1990 Coup Attempt: Major Gideon Orkar led a violent coup attempt against Babangida's government.

Other Attempts: There were also alleged coup plots in 1985, 1995, 1997, and 2004, some of which were reportedly thwarted by the government.

These military interventions have significantly shaped Nigeria's history, often resulting in authoritarian rule, human rights abuses, and economic instability.

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