Dare Babalola
The Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the Federal Government against using coup allegations as a tool for repression, urging restraint and caution in handling such sensitive matters.
In a statement on Monday, the party’s national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, noted that the alleged coup plot should not be used as an excuse to target opposition figures or silence dissenting voices.
According to Abdullahi, the party disapproves of any actions that threaten Nigeria’s democracy, but warned against the government using national security as a cover to suppress dissent or gain political advantage.
He wrote, “The ADC has been following reports of an alleged coup plot involving some arrested military officers and claims that a former southern governor is under investigation for allegedly funding them.
“While we strongly oppose any action that threatens Nigeria’s constitutional order, we are equally worried about the possibility of using such allegations to justify political witch-hunts, suppress dissent, or manipulate public opinion.”
Abdullahi said the conflicting statements from government sources—especially after the defence headquarters denied knowledge of any coup plot—raised serious concerns about the credibility of the reports.
The alleged coup plot in Nigeria involves the detention of 16 senior military officers, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, accused of planning to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
According to reports, the officers were arrested following intelligence suggesting they were holding secret meetings and planning a violent takeover, potentially during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations on October 1.
