The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has responded sharply to the Nigerian presidency’s criticism, dismissing accusations of illegality as baseless and asserting its commitment to lawful political processes. The tension flared after the presidency, through Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, labeled the party’s upcoming national convention as an act of defiance against legal authority. This comes in the wake of INEC’s decision to derecognise the ADC’s national leadership, a move the party says does not invalidate its right to hold internal elections and conventions.
ADC’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, had announced in a public notice on Friday that the party’s National Congress would proceed as scheduled from April 7th to 14th, 2026. The event is expected to include the screening of aspirants for leadership positions and culminate in a formal national convention. Abdullahi emphasized that the party’s actions are in line with its constitutional rights and internal bylaws, regardless of INEC’s administrative decisions.
In response to Abdullahi’s announcement, Bayo Onanuga took to social media, specifically commenting on Abdullahi’s 𝕏 post. He wrote, “Just continue your illegality, the lawless ADC. The dog that wants to get lost in the forest will ignore the hunter’s whistle.” The statement was interpreted as a warning that the party’s actions could attract legal or political consequences.
Abdullahi did not back down. He responded with a pointed metaphor, countering Onanuga’s imagery by saying, “The hunter you speak of has no jurisdiction in this forest.” He further clarified that the ADC is not lost or rogue, but rather choosing to follow legal and democratic procedures. “ADC is not lost, we are simply not following unlawful whistles,” he stated, adding, “Besides, don’t forget, the forest hides that which hunts the hunter.”
The exchange highlights a growing rift between the ruling administration and opposition parties over the interpretation of electoral laws and political autonomy. While INEC’s derecognition of the ADC leadership is based on procedural grounds, the party argues that it does not strip them of their right to conduct internal party affairs. The upcoming convention is seen by ADC members as a critical step in reorganizing and strengthening their political structure ahead of future elections.
This confrontation underscores broader concerns about political space and legal boundaries in Nigeria’s democratic framework. As the 2026 political calendar looms, the ADC’s determination to proceed with its convention may set a precedent for how opposition parties navigate electoral challenges and institutional resistance. The outcome could influence how other parties respond to similar administrative actions in the coming years.
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