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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state power to suppress opposition voices, warning that police clampdowns on its gatherings cannot silence Nigerians’ demand for change.

The coalition’s leader, Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, issued the warning in a statement on Sunday, September 7, 2925 following the disruption of an ADC Coalition event in Alimosho Local Government, Lagos, on September 6. Police sealed the venue on fears that members of other opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party, were joining the coalition.

Owokoniran described the action as “a violation of constitutional rights” and a sign of the ruling party’s fear of a united opposition.

“You can block our gatherings, but you cannot block the heart of the people,” he said, pointing out that “Nigerians have long rejected failed policies and are ready for a credible alternative.”

The ADC Coalition, which describes itself as the credible opposition force ahead of 2027, accused the APC of “shadow-chasing” after realizing that its traditional hold on the electorate was slipping. The group said its tactical alliance of opposition parties had proven “viable, effective and reliable,” leaving the ruling party frustrated.

According to Owokoniran, the APC has been overwhelmed by the growing unity of opposition forces and has resorted to harassment. He alleged that the ruling party’s plan was to paralyze credible opposition and collude with political figures willing to undermine the democratic process.

“This is gradually becoming the norm in many states,” the coalition stated. “The attempt to intimidate and suppress opposition voices will no longer be tolerated.”

Owokoniran urged the APC to redirect its energy to governance in the 18 months left of its tenure. He challenged the government to redeem its image by addressing Nigeria’s worsening economy, particularly by supporting small and medium-scale enterprises, instead of “deploying anti-democratic tactics.”

The coalition also recounted what it described as a pattern of harassment. Its unveiling event in Surulere in July was nearly stopped after security agents sealed the venue, forcing organizers to move it to private property. On Saturday, a fully paid-for venue in Alimosho was also shut down.

“But what they don’t realize is that our coalition has already been concluded and sealed in the hearts of the people,” the statement read. “They can hinder ceremonies, but it is too late to abort our resolve.”

The coalition maintained that the unveiling of its alliance amounted to a “quit notice” to the APC and vowed to continue deploying what it called “potent democratic strategies” to secure victory at the polls.

“We are determined to ensure a transparent electoral process. Harassment and intimidation will not help the ruling party in this election cycle,” Owokoniran said.

The coalition also commended its partners for their resilience, pledging to sustain what it called a people-driven movement to “rescue the mandate of Nigerians from self-acclaimed progressives now showing their despotic fangs.”