ADC Denies Talks with PRP and Others, Vows to Fight INEC Action
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly dismissed circulating reports that it is engaged in discussions with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) or any other political entities in anticipation of an upcoming court judgment. In a clear and unequivocal statement, the party's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, emphasized that the coalition leadership is not currently involved in any such conversations with political parties.
Commitment to Overturning INEC's Actions
Abdullahi stated that the ADC is resolutely committed to ensuring that the illegal actions taken against its leadership by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other agents of the ruling party are overturned. He articulated that this path is crucial for safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring the survival of multiparty democracy in Nigeria. "We believe that this is the only path to safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring that multiparty democracy survives in Nigeria," he affirmed.
Openness to Opposition Unity
While denying specific talks, Abdullahi expressed the party's openness to expanding the coalition to unite all opposition elements across the country in a collective effort to rescue Nigeria. He vowed that the ADC will not abdicate the responsibility it has been entrusted with, dismissing any suggestions of abandoning the party as preemptive and speculative. "Therefore, any suggestion that we are considering abandoning the ADC is preemptive and speculative, and should be ignored," he declared.
Confidence in Judicial Institutions
Despite concerns about the bastardization of democratic institutions, Abdullahi maintained that the ADC leadership remains confident that judicial institutions will resist pressure to undermine Nigeria's democracy at this critical moment. "Notwithstanding the flagrant bastardisation of democratic institutions, the ADC leadership remains confident that the judicial institutions will, at this defining moment, resist the pressure to be complicit in undermining Nigeria's democracy," he asserted.
Bwala's Comments on Privatization Claims
In related developments, Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, commented on the situation via social media. He suggested that those who failed to "privatise" the ADC are now planning to do the same with the PRP. Bwala posted on X, "After failed privatised ADC, I am hearing they are planning to go and privatise PRP and run on that platform. Privatisation without due process equals disintegration." However, he did not specify the individuals targeted by his remarks.
The ADC's stance highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria's political landscape as parties navigate legal challenges and coalition dynamics ahead of potential electoral shifts.
