A chieftain and spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, alleging a pattern of interference in opposition parties and warning of implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
Abdullahi stated that the crisis rocking the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) may be linked to the recent courtesy visit by leaders of the PRP, led by its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, to the ADC leadership.
He said speculation that opposition figures were considering alternative political platforms may have triggered internal tensions within the PRP, with a faction reportedly emerging shortly after.
The ADC chieftain argued that the development reflects what he described as a broader pattern affecting opposition parties.
While acknowledging that the APC has denied involvement in internal disputes within rival parties, he maintained that recent developments suggest otherwise.
He cautioned that any strategy perceived to be aimed at weakening opposition parties could have unintended consequences for national stability.
According to him, undermining political alternatives may limit democratic choices available to citizens.
His statement read: “About three weeks ago, the leadership of the PRP, led by its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the ADC. A few days later, rumours began to circulate that the coalition leadership was considering the PRP as an option. Although this is not true, it took only that single whiff of speculation for a faction to emerge almost overnight in what had been a historically tranquil political party, challenging the leadership of Baba-Ahmed.
“This is the reality of Nigeria’s shrinking democratic space under the All Progressives Congress. The government may continue to deny any involvement in the crises within other parties, insisting that these are merely internal failures, but the pattern is visible. The world can see what is happening. More importantly, they can see where this path leads.
“But here is the question: is there no one within the APC who can caution those engineering crises in opposition parties that they are, in fact, sowing the seeds of national instability?
“A political strategy that is anchored on sabotaging every opposition platform is ultimately self-destructive. When people are left with no options, they are, in reality, left with no choice.”