National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has launched a fiery defense of President Bola Tinubu, warning critics that underestimating the “digital President” is a grave political miscalculation. Ribadu, speaking at the 2025 National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, dismissed opposition voices as “expired politicians” clinging to outdated ideologies and failed legacies.
“We have quality leadership today. Mr. President is a digital President. Those who underestimate him are doing so at their own peril,” Ribadu declared, adding that Nigeria is now safer and more attractive to investors under Tinubu’s leadership.
Ribadu’s comments come amid rising tensions between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a growing opposition coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which includes high-profile defectors from the APC, PDP, and Labour Party.
The ADC, reacting swiftly to what it called a fabricated plot to destabilize Tinubu’s government, accused the Presidency of using fear tactics to justify repression of dissent.
“Bayo Onanuga’s tweet about an overthrow plot is a textbook dog whistle—reckless, malicious, and designed to crush the opposition under the guise of national security,” said Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary.
Abdullahi insisted that the opposition coalition poses no security threat, stating: “We have no bullets. Only ballots. Our aim is to offer Nigerians a better vision—not to subvert democracy.”
APC ‘Imploding from Within’ – Babachir Lawal Drops Bombshell
Meanwhile, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, added fuel to the fire by alleging that some APC governors and senior members are secretly backing the opposition.
“Some might not be bold enough to declare it openly, but many of them—including governors—are working with us to unseat this administration,” Lawal revealed in a TV interview. “Even as a member of the APC, I worked against it because the party has become a bully with no space for internal democracy.”
Lawal emphasized that disappointment in Tinubu’s governance has triggered a political realignment. “If you can’t tell truth to power in APC, what’s the point of staying? The coalition is our best shot to replace a non-performing government,” he said.
Coalition Not About Atiku—Obi, Amaechi Also Involved
Lawal also dismissed suggestions that the new opposition front is an Atiku Abubakar project. “I’ve attended meetings with supporters of Obi, Atiku, and Amaechi. This is not a one-man show. We locked our personal ambitions in the cupboard—we’re here to rescue Nigeria.”
Labour Party Can’t Win, ADC Is the New Vehicle – Senator Ireti Kingibe
Labour Party Senator Ireti Kingibe declared her support for the ADC, citing LP’s internal crisis and fractured structure. “Labour Party, the way it stands now, can’t win elections. That’s why I’m working with the ADC. We need a platform with credible candidates and unity of purpose,” she told Channels TV.
‘PDP Isn’t Dead Yet’ – Abba Moro, Ondo Leaders Reject Coalition
Despite defections, not everyone is on board with the coalition. Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, warning against political desperation.
“I’m a founding member of PDP. I’ve never defected and I don’t intend to. Gang-up politics isn’t the solution. Nigeria needs serious leadership, not a coalition born of frustration,” he said.
In Ondo State, PDP leaders, including former governorship candidate Agboola Ajayi and BOT member Bode Olajumoke, disowned defectors and affirmed the party’s strength at all levels.
PDP Promises a Comeback in 2027
While facing criticism for its silence, the PDP insists it is consolidating for a stronger 2027 showing. “Our quietness isn’t weakness. We are rebuilding. The APC secured less than 9 million votes. Nigeria has over 90 million voters. The PDP is far from finished,” said Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor.
