The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, has rejected claims that Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeks to dominate the 2027 elections by sidelining opposition parties. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Dare emphasized that multiple parties remain active and free to operate.
His comments followed protests by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of attempting to block its participation in the next general election. INEC recently suspended recognition of ADC leadership factions after a Court of Appeal ruling in March and continued disputes within the party. The ADC described the move as a deliberate plot to weaken its chances in 2027.
Dare dismissed the allegation, noting that Nigeria currently has 20 registered political parties. He stressed that the APC is not responsible for the internal crises affecting opposition groups. “The APC will not close shop because other political parties are enmeshed in one crisis or another,” he said. He argued that the ADC and similar parties were exploiting public sentiment instead of building strong organizational structures.
The presidential aide insisted that the government has not restricted political freedoms. He pointed to the ADC’s ability to protest openly as proof of democratic space. “The federal government will always protect the rights of the people to carry out their activities,” Dare said. He added that journalists criticize the president daily without interference, underscoring the administration’s tolerance of dissent.
Dare further questioned whether it was the president’s duty to organize opposition parties. He explained that building a viable political force requires sacrifice, discipline, and long-term effort. Recalling the APC’s own formation, he described the process as difficult and demanding. According to him, the ADC’s leadership problems are self-inflicted, and blaming the ruling party for their instability is misplaced. “Instead of building their party into a strong force, the leaders are looking for shortcuts,” he stated.
He concluded that the government recognizes the role of opposition parties but expects them to strengthen themselves through hard work rather than accusations. The adviser maintained that the APC is focused on governance and will not interfere in the internal affairs of rival parties.
In summary, Dare’s remarks sought to counter fears that Nigeria’s political space is shrinking under APC rule. He emphasized that opposition parties remain free to operate, protests are permitted, and the media functions without restriction. The government, he said, has no plan to eliminate competition in the 2027 elections. Instead, he placed responsibility on opposition leaders to resolve their disputes and build credible platforms capable of challenging the ruling party.
