ADC berates Fed Govt over silence on alleged coup plot

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has flayed the Federal Government for keeping mute over the alleged attempted coup reportedly involving some military officers, saying the silence is fuelling public anxiety and speculative narratives.

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, who spoke yesterday on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said the failure of the government to address the issue publicly was “deeply concerning” for a democracy with a history of military takeovers.

On October 18, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed as false reports by an online platform that the activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary were cancelled owing to a foiled coup plot.

DHQ, in a statement by its spokesman Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, explained that the arrest of 16 officers — which triggered the speculation — was part of an internal disciplinary exercise unrelated to any subversive attempt. It said the parade was shelved to enable President Bola Tinubu attend a bilateral meeting abroad and to free troops for ongoing operations against terrorists and bandits.

But Abdullahi faulted the Federal Government for maintaining silence even after the DHQ rebuttal, insisting that such quiet had allowed “confusion and suspicion” to fester.

He wondered why the Presidency had not openly addressed the matter despite subsequent reports alleging that a former governor and some politicians were under investigation in connection with the alleged plot.

According to him, opacity on issues of national security could provide “nebulous excuses” for clamping down on opposition figures under the pretext of state security.

Abdullahi also commented on the #FreeNnamdiKanu protests, saying the party had not taken a position on the detained IPOB leader but restated that peaceful protest is a constitutional right. He added that while Kanu’s case remains in court, the government must act within the law.

He further criticised the recent use of presidential prerogative of mercy, describing the pardon of some convicted persons as a “national embarrassment” and evidence of policy inconsistency.

He urged the government to reassure Nigerians that democracy is secure and that dissent will not be criminalised.