ADC Accuses FG of Using Coup Rumours to Divert Attention from Governance Failures, Intimidate Opposition
ADC Accuses FG of Using Coup Rumours to Divert Attention from Governance Failures, Intimidate Opposition
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of using recent coup rumours as a tool to divert attention from governance failures and to intimidate opposition figures.
In a statement shared on X by the party’s National Spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Monday, the ADC expressed concern over what it described as “conflicting signals” from government sources about the alleged coup.
Abdullahi said the party strongly rejects any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy but finds the government’s handling of the situation suspicious, especially since the Defence Headquarters has denied ever mentioning any coup plot.
“Such inconsistency raises serious concerns that the entire coup story may have been politically motivated,” Abdullahi stated.
He noted that the government’s silence had only fueled public tension, warning that the narrative could be used as a cover to clamp down on dissenting voices.
“The government appears to be exploiting the coup story to distract Nigerians from pressing issues of misgovernance while trying to win public sympathy,” he added.
The ADC urged the Federal Government to come clean on the issue, stressing that national security must not be turned into a weapon against political opposition.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the government’s trust in the Nigerian military, describing the coup reports as false and mischievous.
According to him, “The Federal Government believes the Armed Forces remain committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and combating insecurity.”
The Defence Headquarters also dismissed reports alleging the arrest of 16 military officers linked to a failed coup, insisting the publication was aimed at creating unnecessary tension.
Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, explained that the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade was purely administrative and had nothing to do with any coup attempt.
He assured that an internal investigation is ongoing to ensure professionalism and discipline within the ranks, emphasizing that “democracy is forever.”
