The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned the Federal Authorities to not use the latest studies of an alleged coup plot as an excuse to intimidate opposition leaders or silence dissenting voices.
In an announcement issued on Monday and signed by its Nationwide Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC stated it views any menace to Nigeria’s democratic order with utmost concern.
Nonetheless, the get together cautioned that the federal government should not exploit the state of affairs to instill concern, suppress criticism, or acquire political benefit beneath the duvet of nationwide safety.
“The ADC has been intently monitoring the studies of an alleged coup plot involving some arrested navy officers and claims {that a} former southern governor is beneath investigation for allegedly funding the suspects,” Abdullahi stated.
“Whereas we strongly oppose any try and undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order, we’re equally apprehensive that such allegations might be used to justify political witch-hunts or manipulate public sentiment.”
The get together expressed concern over the conflicting statements from authorities sources, noting that the Defence Headquarters had publicly denied ever saying any coup plot regardless of media studies suggesting in any other case.
“Such inconsistency raises fears that the coup narrative might have been politically engineered,” the assertion added.
In keeping with the ADC, the Federal Authorities’s silence on the matter is fueling suspicion and confusion amongst residents.
“By protecting quiet, the federal government has intentionally allowed the coup story to fester for no matter purpose,” Abdullahi stated. “What is evident, nonetheless, is that the federal government is exploiting the coup story to divert consideration from the true problems with misgovernance and to curry sympathy.”
The get together additionally warned that the state of affairs might be used as a pretext to clamp down on opposition figures or place them beneath surveillance.
“We perceive that the APC authorities is determined, however such desperation must not ever be allowed to hazard our democracy or undermine the democratic rights of residents,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC known as on the federal government to make a transparent and clear assertion concerning the alleged coup and to cease utilizing nationwide safety as a weapon towards political opponents.
“If there’s actually a menace to nationwide safety, the federal government ought to transient the nation accordingly,” the assertion stated.
“In any other case, it should desist from weaponising nationwide safety as a pretext to silence opposition and political dissent.”
The get together stated it stands firmly towards dictatorship in any type.
“The ADC helps all respectable actions taken in defence of our structure and democracy,” Abdullahi stated.
“In the identical vein, we oppose any try by the federal government to intimidate respectable voices beneath the guise of nationwide safety.”
