By Gift ChapiOdekina
The African Democratic Congress National Legislators Serving and Former Forum (ADC-NF) has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his recent remarks describing the party’s national convention as “noise” and a “street convention,” warning against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on behalf of the forum during a press conference in Abuja, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnene Ukeje, said the country is at a critical juncture where the survival of democratic institutions and multiparty governance requires vigilance and collective responsibility.
The forum recalled that Tinubu, as an opposition figure, once championed political pluralism, judicial independence, and resistance against one-party dominance, stressing that it is troubling that the democratic space appears to be shrinking under his leadership.
Responding directly to the president’s comments, the group defended the ADC’s decision to hold its convention in a manner it described as people-oriented, noting that constraints in securing a venue and a deliberate move to avoid extravagant spending informed the approach.
According to the forum, what the president dismissed as a “street” gathering reflected “democracy in its most organic form,” driven by grassroots participation.
The lawmakers also raised concerns over ongoing legal disputes involving the ADC, noting that such matters are currently before courts, including the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court. They urged the executive arm to exercise restraint in line with the doctrine of separation of powers.
The statement further alleged possible interference in the party’s internal affairs, citing remarks attributed to the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, which they said suggested support for individuals involved in litigation against the ADC.
They argued that such comments, particularly in the context of pending court cases, risk creating the perception of executive influence on judicial outcomes.
On the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the forum expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as inconsistent and selective actions, especially in handling leadership issues within the party. It warned that any perception of bias could erode public confidence in the electoral body.
The group maintained that the ADC’s leadership transition complied with legal provisions, citing the Electoral Act 2026, which grants political parties autonomy over their internal affairs.
Reflecting on past national interventions, the lawmakers noted their involvement in key democratic moments, including the invocation of the Doctrine of Necessity in 2010 following the illness of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, as well as efforts to resolve political crises in Rivers and Kogi states.
They warned against any drift toward authoritarianism or unconstitutional extension of power, stressing that democracy must be protected through adherence to the rule of law and institutional independence.
The forum called on the judiciary to remain impartial and resolute, describing the current situation as a defining moment for the nation.
It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding democratic values, emphasising that democracy thrives only when citizens, institutions, and leaders actively defend it.
The statement concluded with a call for respect for the rule of law, non-interference in judicial processes, and the protection of opposition space as essential pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.
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