Lagos, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on the federal government to provide immediate clarity on reports of an alleged coup plot, warning that the narrative risks being exploited to suppress opposition and divert attention from governance issues. In a strongly worded statement, the opposition party expressed concerns over inconsistencies in official communications and the potential for “political witch-hunts”.
The statement, issued by ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, follows recent media reports of the arrest of around 16 military officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Sources indicate that the detained personnel include a brigadier-general from Niger State and a colonel linked to a former Nasarawa governor, with grievances reportedly stemming from career stagnation and broader dissatisfaction. Additionally, an unnamed former governor from a southern state is said to be under investigation for allegedly funding the suspects.
“The ADC has been closely monitoring the reports of an alleged coup plot involving arrested military officers and subsequent media claims that a former southern governor is under investigation for allegedly funding the suspects,” Abdullahi stated. “While we vehemently oppose any effort to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order, we are equally concerned about the potential misuse of such allegations to justify political witch-hunts, suppress dissent, or manipulate public sentiment.”
The party highlighted conflicting signals from government sources, noting that the Defence Headquarters has publicly denied any mention of a coup plot, describing the arrests as routine measures for indiscipline. Despite this, widespread media coverage has fuelled speculation, with some reports suggesting the plot was timed for 25 October. Abdullahi criticised the federal government’s silence on the matter, arguing that it has “deliberately allowed the coup story to fester for whatever reason”.
“What is clear, however, is that the government is exploiting the coup story to divert attention from the real issues of misgovernance in the country and to curry sympathy,” the statement continued. It further alleged that unattributed reports implicating politicians could serve as a pretext for clamping down on opposition figures or imposing undue surveillance.
The ADC’s concerns echo broader scepticism among Nigerians, with some online commentators dismissing the allegations as a tactic to deflect from economic hardships and public discontent. Others have drawn parallels to historical events, such as the foiled 2004 coup attempt against former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which involved nearly 30 officers.
In response to the swirling rumours, the Defence Headquarters has reiterated that the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade was unrelated to any coup threat. Investigations are ongoing, with a military panel probing the detained officers. However, the ADC insists that the government must either “decisively quash the swirling rumour” or be transparent about any genuine national security threat.
“We understand that the APC government is desperate. But such desperation must never be allowed to endanger our democracy or undermine the democratic rights of citizens,” Abdullahi added. “The ADC is resolute in its opposition to dictatorship of any form, whether military dictatorship or its civilian variant. We therefore support any legitimate action that may be taken in defence of our constitution and our democracy. In the same vein, we oppose any ploy by the government to intimidate legitimate voices under the guise of national security.”
