National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has strongly defended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, warning critics not to underestimate the administration’s direction and achievements ahead of the 2027 elections.
He described the president as a “digital leader” steering Nigeria toward transformation, despite growing opposition voices.
Speaking at the 2025 National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, Ribadu asserted that critics of the Tinubu administration were relics of a failed political past, insisting:
“We have quality leadership today in our country. Mr. President is a digital president. People who underestimate him are doing so at their own peril.”
He dismissed allegations and criticisms as baseless, warning that Nigerians are now more discerning: “Things are changing. We are stabilising the country. Forget what some people are saying — Nigeria is safer and better every single day.”
Ribadu noted that formerly volatile regions, like the Niger Delta and the South-East, are witnessing increased peace and stability: “Niger Delta is safer than ever before. The South-East is returning to normalcy. Those fueling unrest from abroad will be tracked and prosecuted. We will not allow external forces to destabilize our progress.”
He emphasized the administration’s focus on cybersecurity and its strategic collaboration with telecom operators, tech companies, and global investors.
“We are working with major telecom operators. Our cybersecurity strategy is strong. Nigeria is safe and open for business. Investors should know that Nigeria is the future of Africa.”
Ribadu also criticized political opponents: “These are people who looted and plundered this country. Now they are shouting on television. They are outdated. Nigeria has moved on — and Nigerians are wiser.”
ADC Accuses Presidency of Fabricating Coup Claims to Intimidate Opposition
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the presidency of deliberately fabricating claims of a plot to overthrow the Tinubu administration to justify a crackdown on opposition voices.
Reacting to a controversial tweet by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the ADC described the post as reckless and malicious. The tweet read: “Just two years after Tinubu began implementing the reforms, the haters of Nigeria’s progress are banding together to overthrow an administration that has been the most focused, most transformative in our history.”
Condemning the tweet, the ADC said: “Bayo Onanuga’s tweet is a textbook example of a political dog whistle. The APC-led federal government appears to be constructing a false narrative that is designed to justify a potential clampdown on dissent and to criminalise legitimate opposition activity under the guise of national security.”
The party affirmed its commitment to democracy: “We are not soldiers; we are politicians. We don’t have bullets; we only have the ballots. When the time comes, we will only present our solutions and an alternative vision of the future to the Nigerian people and leave them to make their choice.”
The ADC questioned the ruling party’s apparent fear of opposition: “We are left to wonder why the APC government is so jittery that it is so eager to betray its own heritage. APC is the first opposition party to come to power in Nigeria. It is, therefore, a great wonder that the same party now appears to find it strange that there is an opposition at all.”
“This manner of crying wolf where there is none does not make the president look good and only betrays a sense of panic.” It warned.
Calling on global attention, the ADC said: “We call on them to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for any actions that undermine democratic freedoms or violate the political rights of Nigerian citizens.”
Babachir Lawal: APC Governors Secretly Backing Opposition Coalition
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has claimed that several APC governors and senior party members are quietly supporting the emerging opposition coalition.
In an interview on TVC News, he said: “Yes, there are APC members working with the coalition, and they will speak for themselves. Some might not be brave or bold enough to do it the way I have, but there are very many — some tell me, including some governors.”
Lawal, who resigned from the APC in June, said he had long grown disillusioned with the party.
“We’re in a democracy; even if you’re in a political party, you can choose to support a better candidate in another political party. I’m learning a template from APC: this template of remaining in one party and working for another. This is a script APC developed, which Wike has enhanced and grown beyond imagination. Wike is our leader in this type of politics.”
Criticizing the APC’s internal structure, he added:“The APC has never been united; it’s been a party that has been intimidated and bullied into silence. No internal cohesion; you cannot even advise. Even advice is taken as anti-party. So, many people got frustrated that you cannot talk truth to power in APC.”
Lawal argued: “A lot of us are people whose primary aim is to replace this government with a better government that serves Nigerians better.”
He also mocked ongoing defections into the APC: “It’s true the governors are decamping. Why are they decamping to the APC? Because they know the president has given himself an automatic ticket… Most of the governors understand that this government is a government that wrote results to become what they are… The governors are moving, but nobody is moving with them; the people are not.”
Dismissing suggestions that the coalition is Atiku Abubakar’s project, Lawal said: “The coalition is not about Atiku… Before we started the coalition, we told everybody that has political ambition to lock it down in a cupboard… Peter Obi understands that with his Obedient movement, he cannot win this election on a stand-alone basis. Amaechi understands, and Atiku too…”
Kingibe: LP Can’t Win — ADC Will Be Our Platform
Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Labour Party has expressed support for the opposition coalition, revealing she will be contesting upcoming elections under the ADC platform.
“Yes, I am (still a member of the Labour Party), but I support the ADC,” she said on Channels Television.
She explained:
“Labour Party is in some sort of a quagmire… It has been very fractured and broken. There are two factions of the Labour Party right now.”
Kingibe emphasized the need for a viable electoral platform: “I know the FCT can win, not on APC… ADC has credible candidates, and it is that platform we are going to use to show them.”
Asked if she may eventually leave the LP, she responded, “Maybe, I might eventually.”
Senator Abba Moro: I’m Not Joining Any Coalition
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro has ruled out joining the opposition coalition, reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP.
“I want to make it very, very clear here, I joined the People’s Democratic Party in 1998 at its formative year… I am a bona fide member of PDP. I am not joining any coalition. I have not joined any coalition. I don’t intend to join any coalition.”
He warned against political alliances formed out of frustration: “Quite frankly, I think we should approach Nigeria with a serious mind of electing people who are prepared to govern this country. I think the politics of a gang-up is not a solution to our problems.”
Ondo PDP Disowns Defectors, Affirms Strength
In Ondo State, PDP leaders have dissociated from party members who defected to the ADC, insisting the PDP remains united and focused.
“The PDP in Ondo State is strong, focused, and unshaken,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
“These coalitions… cannot replace the tested, deep-rooted structures and legacy of the PDP.”
They encouraged members not to be swayed by short-term realignments.
PDP: We’re Reorganizing, Not Declining
The PDP has denied losing relevance, stating it is internally consolidating and preparing for a strong return in 2027.
Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor said, “If the PDP platform has been quiet, it could indicate a degree of internal organisation… the PDP brand is far from extinction. If anything, it’s poised to rebound and reclaim its position of prominence.”
He also took aim at the APC: “Even the APC, with all its resources, secured fewer than nine million votes in the last election… The focus should be on the Nigerian people. Are their lives improving? No.”
