President Bola Tinubu
Presidency has issued a strong response to criticisms from the ADC National Legislators Forum, describing the opposition bloc as a group driven by “conspiracy theories” and lacking substance.
In a statement titled: “ _What’s That Noise!”,_ Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare took aim at remarks attributed to Hon. Nnenna Elendu Ukeje and the ADC coalition, accusing them of peddling unfounded allegations and attempting to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Dare said the opposition’s approach follows a predictable pattern of attacking the President and undermining the electoral process even before election activities begin.
“Even before the official commencement of the election season and before the Polls open, the ‘opposition’, a hurriedly stitched together contraption in search of a launch pad are screaming blue murder,” the statement read.
“The script is familiar: attack and blackmail the President, discredit and second guess the electoral process and hold Press briefings to flaunt unsubstantiated allegations and lies against the administration.”
*Presidency Faults ADC’s “Contradictions” on Tinubu*
The Presidency noted what it described as a contradiction in the ADC’s position, pointing out that the same forum acknowledged Tinubu’s democratic credentials before attempting to portray him as a threat.
“They painstakingly chronicled the democratic credentials of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu… On that point, they were correct,” Dare stated.
“But having established those facts, they took a curious turn—attempting, without evidence, to portray the very same individual as a threat to the democratic values he has consistently upheld.”
He added: “You cannot spend the first half of a press conference affirming a man’s lifelong commitment to democracy, and the second half alleging—without proof—that he has abandoned it. It simply does not hold.”
Reacting to claims that Tinubu’s earlier comments were directed at the ADC, the Presidency dismissed the interpretation as misplaced.
“The President did not mention the ADC—by name or by implication,” the statement clarified.
“The decision by the ADC to assume those remarks were directed at them is, at best, an exercise in self-indictment.”
The Presidency also rejected allegations of judicial interference, insisting that Nigeria’s judiciary remains independent.
“The allegations regarding judicial interference are equally speculative and irresponsible,” Dare said.
“Attempting to cast doubt on the integrity of the courts based on political disagreements is a dangerous path—one that weakens institutions rather than protects them.”
Dare argued that the opposition coalition is grappling with internal divisions and projecting its challenges outward.
“What is evident, however, is a pattern: a party grappling with internal fragmentation, projecting its challenges outward,” he stated.
“The truth is far less dramatic: internal party disorganization is being reframed as external persecution.”
He further described the coalition in scathing terms:
“What the ADC represents today is not a coalition of ideas, but a congregation of political opportunists… There is no shared philosophy, no unifying doctrine—only ambition colliding with ambition.”
*Tinubu Remains Committed to Democracy — Presidency*
Reaffirming the President’s stance, Dare said Tinubu’s record demonstrates consistent respect for democratic values.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains a committed democrat. His record—both in opposition and in office—reflects a consistent respect for the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the integrity of democratic institutions.”
The Presidency urged the ADC to focus on strengthening its internal structure and engaging Nigerians with credible ideas rather than rhetoric.
“We urge the ADC to redirect its energy inward: resolve its leadership disputes, strengthen its internal processes, and engage Nigerians with substance rather than speculation.”
The statement concluded with a pointed remark: “Nigerians at this point deserve a political discourse grounded in facts, not fiction… What is required is not noise—but leadership.”
