In a statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party warned that any attempt to exploit the alleged coup narrative for political advantage could endanger Nigeria’s democracy and civil liberties.
The statement came following reports that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) had arrested several military officers — ranging from Captains to Brigadier Generals — for allegedly holding secret meetings to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The Defence Headquarters has, however, dismissed the reports as “false and malicious.”
The ADC criticised the Federal Government’s silence on the matter, saying its refusal to issue a definitive response despite the military’s denial had fuelled anxiety and speculation among citizens.
“The ADC has been closely monitoring reports of an alleged coup plot involving arrested military officers and claims that a former southern governor is being investigated for allegedly funding the suspects,” the statement read.
“While we firmly oppose any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order, we are equally concerned that such reports could be misused to justify political witch-hunts or suppress dissent. Conflicting statements from government sources raise fears that the coup narrative may have been politically motivated.”
The ADC further expressed concern that the Federal Government’s silence might be deliberate, describing it as an attempt to divert attention from pressing governance failures and to manipulate public sympathy.
“By keeping quiet, the government has deliberately allowed the coup story to fester. It is becoming clear that the administration is exploiting the coup narrative to divert attention from misgovernance and intimidate opposition figures,” the party alleged.
The ADC urged the Federal Government to clarify the true situation, insisting that if a genuine security threat exists, the government must be transparent; otherwise, it should stop weaponising national security for political purposes.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles, the ADC said: “We are opposed to dictatorship in any form, whether military or civilian. While we support legitimate measures to defend our democracy, we reject any attempt to silence lawful voices under the guise of national security.”
