Tinubu’s Aide Blasts ADC for Inviting Foreign Interference in Nigeria’s Elections

A senior aide to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of dragging foreign influence into Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, made the allegation in a strongly worded post on X.

He criticised the opposition coalition under the ADC, saying their actions show a lack of readiness for the next election cycle.

According to him, internal divisions and personal ambitions within the party have weakened its structure. He claimed that many members are more interested in pursuing the presidency than building a united front.

He wrote, “The opposition members under the umbrella of ADC know quite well that they are not ready for the election since all of them want to be president; they have now resorted to importing foreign interference into our elections by alleging one party state, as if the foreign governments don’t have their embassies and commissions here in Nigeria to know the lack of preparedness of the ADC.. Association of party-grabbing elements.”

His comments come amid rising tension between the ruling party and opposition figures over claims about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.

The controversy followed recent remarks by former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who warned that the country risks sliding into a one-party system.

Obi, speaking alongside other political actors, said there was a growing need to protect democratic values and ensure political balance.

He stated, “We are saying that our democracy must not be killed. We say NO to a one-party system, and for that, today, we’re calling out Nigerians who believe in unity, peace, and security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land.”

However, the Presidency swiftly pushed back against the claim. Another presidential aide, Olusegun Dada, dismissed Obi’s position, arguing that Nigeria’s political space remains open and competitive.

Dada pointed to the number of registered political parties in the country as evidence that no single party dominates the system. He maintained that several opposition parties still hold elected positions at different levels of government.

In his reaction, he said, “Mr Obi, there are 21 registered political parties by @inecnigeria in Nigeria as of today. Almost half of these parties have elected representatives in both national and sub-national governments in Nigeria. The party on whose back you contested (before running away as usual) still has elected representatives in the national assembly and controls Abia State. Your attempt to paint Nigeria as a one-party state because of the self-inflicted shot to leg of your current political SPV (The ADC) is an insult to every sensible Nigerian. Your agenda is dead on arrival.”