Redirect your energy inwards, Dare tells ADC coalition

Dare argued that such a position was “intellectually untenable,” insisting that a leader’s democratic credentials cannot be affirmed and dismissed in the same breath without credible evidence. 

He maintained that Tinubu’s political journey, from pro-democracy activism to governance, reflects consistency in upholding the rule of law and institutional independence.

He further clarified that the President’s recent remarks, which sparked reactions from the ADC, did not mention the party either by name or implication. 

He described the opposition’s response as an exercise in “self-indictment,” suggesting that the interpretation of the comments reflected more on the ADC’s internal anxieties than on the President’s intent.

“This is not a matter of suppression; it is a matter of standards,” Dare stated, adding that while democracy thrives on competition, it also demands discipline, organization, coherence, and credibility, qualities he said the ADC must demonstrate.

On allegations of judicial interference, the presidential spokesman dismissed them as speculative and irresponsible, warning that attempts to undermine public confidence in the judiciary without evidence could weaken Nigeria’s constitutional order. 

He stressed that the judiciary remains independent and that due process continues to guide its operations.

Dare also rejected attempts to draw the Chief of Staff to the President into the controversy, noting that isolated remarks taken out of context cannot be weaponised into claims of executive interference. 

He emphasised that the President speaks through established channels and that internal disputes within opposition parties should not be projected onto the Presidency or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He accused the ADC coalition of grappling with internal fragmentation and lacking ideological coherence, describing it as a platform driven more by individual ambition than shared conviction. 

According to him, the absence of a unifying doctrine has resulted in visible contradictions and tensions within the bloc.

The presidential aide pointed to recent public remarks by Atiku Abubakar as indicative of underlying divisions within the coalition, arguing that such statements highlight a lack of trust, alignment, and cohesion among its leading figures.

“What is being presented as a coalition of ideas is, in reality, a congregation of political opportunists struggling to agree even among themselves on leadership and direction,” Dare said.

He added that the tendency to externalise internal challenges and frame them as persecution by the government was both misleading and counterproductive, noting that claims of democratic collapse or authoritarian drift were not supported by credible evidence.

Dare insisted that Nigeria’s constitutional order remains intact, with the separation of powers functioning as предусмотрed, and institutions continuing to operate within the bounds of the law.

Reaffirming the administration’s position, he said President Tinubu remains a committed democrat whose record, both in opposition and in office, demonstrates respect for electoral processes, judicial independence, and constitutional governance.

He noted that the Renewed Hope agenda of the administration is focused on strengthening institutions, deepening democratic practice, and delivering tangible outcomes for Nigerians, rather than engaging in political distractions.

Dare urged the ADC to embrace constructive engagement, stressing that democracy is not sustained through press conferences or rhetorical attacks but through discipline, organization, and credible participation in the political process.

“Nigerians deserve a political discourse grounded in facts, not fiction; in reality, not rhetoric,” he said.