No one is stopping opposition from functioning, says Presidency

The Nigerian Presidency, through its Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, has firmly refuted claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) intends to monopolize the political landscape in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Dare's statements come in response to a protest by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of plotting to exclude it from the elections after the commission suspended recognition of the party's leadership factions. The Presidency views the ADC's crisis as self-inflicted, stemming from internal disputes and a lack of robust political structuring, rather than external suppression. Dare emphasized that the political space in Nigeria remains open, citing the existence of 20 active political parties and the freedom with which opposition parties and the media operate and criticize the government. He stressed that building a strong political party requires significant time, sacrifice, and commitment, a process he believes the ADC leaders are neglecting in favor of seeking shortcuts. The government, he asserted, will always protect citizens' rights to engage in political activities, pointing to the ADC's ability to protest and the media's critical coverage as evidence of democratic freedom.

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There are 20 political parties in Nigeria today. No one is stopping them from functioning.