ADC Slams Presidency Over Rivers State Crisis, Demands Restoration of Democratic Governance”
By Gambo Jagindi
July 11, 2025
The African Democratic Congress has strongly condemned the Presidency’s actions in Rivers State, describing them as an “assault on democracy” and a flagrant violation of the Nigerian Constitution. In a statement signed by its Interim National Publicity Secretary and Spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately restore democratic governance in the state.
The ADC dismissed the Presidency’s clarification on Vice President Kashim Shettima’s remarks regarding the President’s power to remove elected governors, describing it as “a mere attempt at political correctness”. According to the party, the truth must not be lost in the fog of political correctness, affirming that the President has no constitutional power to remove an elected governor.
The ADC highlighted the inconsistency in the Presidency’s stance, citing the case of Borno State under President Jonathan, where the then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, resisted attempts to remove the Governor, citing lack of constitutional power.
The party emphasized that the suspension of a duly elected governor is not just unconstitutional, but also authoritarian, and a dangerous precedent if allowed to persist. The ADC believes that Nigeria is not a monarchy, and the powers of the President are not absolute, but bounded by law, tempered by precedent, and subject to public accountability.
The party demanded that President Tinubu immediately restore democratic governance in Rivers State, cease all illegal interference in the affairs of the state, and halt the unconstitutional actions that have upended democratic rule.
Furthermore, the ADC called on the President to tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian people for the abuse of power and disregard for constitutional order. The party reiterated its commitment to standing with the Nigerian people in defense of democracy, justice, and constitutionalism, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Constitution and protecting democratic institutions in Nigeria.
The ADC’s statement underscores the party’s resolve to hold the government accountable for its actions and ensure that democratic principles are upheld in the country.
As the situation in Rivers State continues to unfold, the party’s demands for the restoration of democratic governance and adherence to constitutional order are likely to resonate with many Nigerians who are concerned about the future of democracy in the country.