Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has warned critics of President Bola Tinubu not to underestimate his leadership and resolve, describing him as a “digital President” driving transformation across the country.
Speaking at the 2025 National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, Ribadu dismissed opposition criticisms as outdated, accusing some political actors of clinging to expired ideologies and failed legacies.
“We have quality leadership in Nigeria today. Mr. President is a digital, educated, and visionary leader. Anyone underestimating him does so at their own peril,” Ribadu stated.
Ribadu highlighted significant improvements in national security, especially in the Niger Delta and South-East regions. He credited proactive measures and collaborations with security agencies and tech partners for this progress.
“Nigeria is safer and better every single day. The Niger Delta is calmer, and the South-East is returning to normal. We will track and prosecute those inciting unrest from abroad,” he said.
He further urged investors and tech innovators to view Nigeria as Africa’s rising digital hub, emphasizing that the country is open for business and increasingly stable under Tinubu’s policies.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the presidency of fabricating claims of a plot to overthrow President Tinubu. The ADC described a controversial tweet from presidential aide Bayo Onanuga as “reckless” and a pretext to suppress the opposition.
“The APC-led government is constructing a false narrative to criminalize legitimate opposition. We reject any attempt to use national security as a cover for political persecution,” said ADC spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi.
He reiterated that the ADC and its coalition partners are committed to peaceful, democratic change.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, in a TV interview, claimed several APC governors and senior members are covertly supporting the opposition coalition.
“Some may not speak out yet, but they’re with us. Even within the APC, many are disillusioned by Tinubu’s governance,” Lawal said.
He added that the idea of staying in one party while backing another popularized by former governor Nyesom Wike is now a political strategy being adopted by discontented APC members.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, elected on the Labour Party (LP) platform, announced her support for the opposition coalition under ADC, citing internal crises within the LP.
“The Labour Party is fractured. It’s not in a position to win any election in its current state,” she said during an interview on Channels TV. “ADC offers a better platform to contest the upcoming FCT elections.”
Despite retaining LP membership, she admitted she might eventually leave the party if the internal rift persists.
Senator Abba Moro, Senate Minority Leader and a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), firmly rejected suggestions of joining the ADC-led coalition.
“I have never defected and do not intend to join any coalition. The PDP remains my political home,” Moro said in a video address.
Similarly, PDP leaders in Ondo State have disowned defectors who claimed alignment with the ADC. Prominent figures, including former governorship candidate Agboola Ajayi, denied leaving the PDP.
“Our structures across Ondo State remain intact. The PDP is not part of any coalition and remains focused on rebuilding for 2027,” said former Speaker and PDP interim chairman, Bakita Bello.
In response to suggestions that the PDP is fading in relevance, Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor assured Nigerians that the party is actively consolidating and preparing for a strong showing in the 2027 elections.
“Silence doesn’t mean weakness. Our internal processes are being strengthened. The PDP is still a force to reckon with,” he said, adding that the upcoming NEC meeting in July will signal the party’s renewed momentum.
