A support group of the African Democratic Congress, the Grassroots Mobilisation Network, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s remarks at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, confirm the Presidency’s involvement in the crisis currently rocking the party.
In a statement issued in the early hours of Sunday, the Secretary of the group, Idris Bala, said the President’s comments suggested he had a hand in the internal challenges facing the ADC.
Bala said, “President Tinubu, among other things, alleged that former Vice President Atiku wanted to privatise the ADC, but the owners said no. In the same breath, Tinubu advised that as a democrat, people should obey court orders and the law.
“These statements, coming from the nation’s highest office, are deeply disturbing and troubling. They confirm what Nigerians have long suspected — that the Presidency is behind the ADC crisis and is not a mere spectator but an active player in the troubles rocking viable opposition parties, including the ADC.”
On the alleged “privatisation” claim, the group maintained that the ADC is not a personal estate that can be auctioned, but a duly registered political party owned by Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It added that the party’s leadership at all levels emerged through processes consistent with its constitution, the Electoral Act, Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines, and the 1999 Constitution (as amended), describing the President’s claim as misleading.
The group also aligned with the President on the need to obey court orders but insisted that the ADC’s actions were guided by respect for the rule of law.
“It is precisely because the ADC respects the rule of law that we reject contrived crises and politically sponsored impostors deployed to destabilise opposition parties,” Bala said.
He added that the President’s remarks raised concerns about possible interference in ongoing legal matters involving the party, warning against any attempt to influence judicial processes.
The group cited developments ahead of the 2023 general elections, noting that political actors such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso were able to contest elections on different party platforms without alleged interference from the Federal Government at the time.
It also referenced internal disputes in other opposition parties, alleging a pattern of actions aimed at weakening dissent and paving the way for a one-party system.
The group urged the President to uphold democratic principles and avoid interference in the affairs of opposition parties.
“The Presidency must not be weaponised to determine the ownership of opposition parties or dictate their internal affairs. Democracy thrives on plurality, robust debate, and respect for the choices of party members,” the statement added.
It reaffirmed that the ADC remains united under its recognised leadership and vowed to continue mobilising as a credible alternative political platform.
The group also called on Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community to take note of what it described as a “dangerous slide,” while reiterating its commitment to the rule of law and internal democracy.
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