Controversy over President Bola Tinubu’s remarks on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention has drawn a firm response from the Presidency through Sunday Dare.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has defended President Bola Tinubu following criticism from the ADC National Legislators Serving and Former Forum over comments describing the party’s convention as “noise” and a “street convention”.
In a statement posted on Saturday via X, Dare responded to the ADC-NF’s press conference in Abuja, where the group faulted the President’s remarks and accused the administration of undermining democratic space.
The ADC forum, led by former House of Representatives member Hon. Nnenna Ukeje, argued that Nigeria is at a critical democratic juncture and raised concerns over shrinking political space.
The group also referenced Tinubu’s past as an opposition figure, saying his current posture appears inconsistent with earlier advocacy for political pluralism and judicial independence.
But Dare dismissed the claims, describing the group as “Nigeria’s latest bunch of conspiracy theorists” and accusing it of twisting the President’s remarks for political gain.
He said opposition reactions follow a familiar pattern of attempts to discredit the President and question the electoral process.
According to him, “The script is familiar: attack and blackmail the President, discredit and second-guess the electoral process…”
Dare insisted Tinubu’s comments were taken out of context, stressing they were general and not targeted at any political party.
He added that the ADC’s interpretation reflected internal sensitivities rather than the intent of the remarks.
On claims of democratic decline, Dare rejected suggestions that institutions were compromised, insisting Nigeria’s democracy remains intact and functional.
He maintained that the judiciary is independent and warned against politically driven attempts to discredit it, saying no speculation can replace evidence.
Dare also dismissed allegations of executive interference, insisting the President speaks through official channels.
He further accused the ADC of projecting internal challenges onto the federal government, saying the party is struggling with cohesion and leadership issues.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy is sustained by strong institutions and discipline, not press conferences or rhetoric.
Dare reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to democratic principles and said the administration remains focused on governance while rejecting attempts to distort facts.
