Presidency Fires Back At ADC: ‘We Won’t Close Shop Because You’re Struggling

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has dismissed claims that the All Progressives Congress (APC) intends to dominate the 2027 elections as the only viable political party.

During an interview on Channels Television, Dare emphasized that 21 political parties are officially registered and entitled to fair competition. He cautioned opposition parties against expecting leniency from the APC due to their current struggles.

“There is no design, whether covertly or overtly, to have just the APC on the ballot. We have 21 parties registered to compete; every party has the right to field a candidate. The APC will not roll out the carpet and close shop because other parties are struggling,” he stated.

Dare’s remarks follow accusations from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the APC is allegedly instigating crises within opposition parties to weaken challenges in the 2027 elections. According to Ireporter Online, the presidential aide refuted claims that the ruling party is shrinking democratic space, pointing to the ADC’s ability to freely lodge complaints with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as proof of political freedom in Nigeria.

He further argued that the APC and President Tinubu are unafraid of opposition parties, noting that the president remains focused on governance while the party handles political matters. Dare criticized the ADC’s recent actions, describing them as examples of poor opposition leadership and ineffective party management.

“What you are seeing here is self-inflicted. You decide to come in through the back door, ignore petitions and court cases, and think that because you are in the opposition and can shout very loud… the ADC’s recent months show exactly how not to run an opposition or manage a political party,” he said.