The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism from the African Democratic Congress National Legislators Serving and Former Forum over his description of the party's convention as "noise" and a "street convention." The ADC-NF, led by former House of Representatives member Hon. Nnenna Ukeje, raised concerns in a press conference in Abuja, warning that such remarks could erode democratic space in Nigeria. The group pointed to Tinubu's history as an opposition figure who championed political pluralism and judicial independence, saying his current stance appears at odds with those values. Dare dismissed the criticism in a statement posted Saturday on X, labelling the ADC-NF as "Nigeria's latest bunch of conspiracy theorists" who are distorting the President's words for political advantage. He argued that the comments were general and not directed at any specific party, and that the ADC's reaction was an "exercise in self-indictment." According to Dare, if the term "noise" resonates with the ADC, it reflects more on the party's internal dynamics than on the President's statement. He rejected claims of democratic backsliding, insisting that Nigeria's constitutional order remains intact and that the judiciary retains its independence. Dare also dismissed allegations of executive interference, particularly those referencing comments by the Chief of Staff, as selective and out of context. He maintained that the presidency communicates through official channels and that the opposition is projecting its internal disarray onto the federal government.
Sunday Dare accuses the ADC-NF of twisting President Tinubu's words while offering no transcript or context to clarify what was said. The presidency claims the "noise" remark was not aimed at ADC, yet it provided no alternative target or setting for the comment. If the administration insists its messaging is clear and consistent, then the repeated need to explain it after public backlash suggests a growing gap between tone and perception. Nigerians named in the dispute, like Nnenna Ukeje and the ADC members, are left responding to a statement the presidency refuses to fully contextualise.
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