By Muhammad Mamman
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of using recent coup rumours as a political tool to distract from governance failures and suppress opposition voices.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the party’s National Spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern over what he described as “conflicting signals” from government sources regarding the alleged plot.
“We are particularly alarmed by the mixed messages coming from officials. The Defence Headquarters has denied ever referencing a coup, despite widespread media reports suggesting otherwise,” he said. “Such contradictions raise suspicions that the entire coup narrative may be politically orchestrated.”
The ADC warned that the government’s failure to clearly address the rumour had allowed it to spiral, potentially laying the groundwork for a crackdown on political dissent.
“What is becoming evident is that this coup story is being weaponised to deflect attention from pressing governance issues and to manufacture public sympathy,” Abdullahi added. “Unattributed media reports hinting at unnamed politicians being linked to the alleged plot only serve to justify increased surveillance and repression of opposition figures.”
The party called for transparency and urged the government to issue a clear and unequivocal statement to dispel growing fears of political manipulation under the guise of national security.
“National security must not be used as a smokescreen to stifle dissent or opposition. Democracy thrives on accountability, not intimidation,” the statement read.
In response, the Federal Government reiterated its confidence in the Nigerian military and dismissed coup speculation as false and mischievous. Speaking to The PUNCH on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government had no reason to doubt the military’s assurances.
“The Federal Government believes the Armed Forces remain committed to Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the ongoing fight against insecurity,” he said.
On Saturday, Defence spokesperson Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau had dismissed a media report claiming that 16 military officers were being detained over a foiled coup, calling it “a deliberate attempt to cause public panic.”
He clarified that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade was a purely administrative decision, allowing President Bola Tinubu to attend an international engagement and enabling the military to focus on ongoing operations.
Gusau reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to democratic governance, stating: “Democracy is forever.” He added that the detained officers were undergoing a routine internal probe to ensure discipline within the ranks, and promised that the findings would be made public in due course.
