Dare Babalola
The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately attempting to weaken opposition parties and tighten its grip on Nigeria’s democratic space.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Tuesday, Abdullahi alleged that recent internal tensions within the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) were triggered by political interference following speculation about possible realignments within the opposition bloc.
He explained that the situation escalated after rumours emerged suggesting that the ADC might be considering the PRP as a political alternative following a visit by PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, to former Senate President David Mark.
According to him, although the speculation was unfounded, it was enough to spark sudden factional disputes within what he described as a previously stable political structure.
“This is not true, but it only took that faint rumour for a faction to suddenly emerge in what had long been a peaceful party, challenging the leadership of Baba-Ahmed,” he said.
Abdullahi argued that the development reflects what he described as a steady contraction of democratic space under APC-led governance, adding that the pattern of internal crises in opposition parties appears too consistent to be dismissed as coincidence.
He further claimed that while the APC may deny involvement in opposition party disputes, the unfolding events suggest otherwise, insisting that the situation is visible to observers both locally and internationally.
He warned that the continued strategy of weakening opposition platforms could have long-term consequences for national stability.
“A political approach built on undermining every alternative voice is ultimately self-defeating,” he stated, adding that “when citizens are left without real options, they are effectively denied meaningful choice.”
The ADC spokesman also recalled a recent allegation in which he accused the APC of planning to disrupt an opposition summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on April 25.
He had earlier claimed that opposition groups were denied access to venues in Abuja before allegedly facing further attempts to obstruct their meeting in Ibadan.
