Dare made this known on Channels Television while reacting to the protest staged by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to stop recognising some of the party’s leadership factions

Presidential Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has said President Bola Tinubu will not step into the internal crisis rocking opposition parties, insisting that building a viable political platform is the responsibility of party leaders, not the presidency.

Dare made this known on Channels Television while reacting to the protest staged by the African Democratic Congress, ADC, over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to stop recognising some of the party’s leadership factions.

The protest followed INEC’s suspension of recognition for the ADC factions, including the one led by David Mark, after a March ruling by the Court of Appeal and the party’s unresolved leadership tussle.

But the ADC has described the move as a deliberate attempt to weaken the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

Reacting, Dare said there was no basis for blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, or President Tinubu for the troubles within opposition camps.

According to him, several political parties are still operating freely in the country, stressing that the APC cannot be held responsible for the inability of other parties to resolve their own disputes.

“There are 20 political parties in Nigeria today. No one is stopping them from functioning. The All Progressives Congress will not close shop because other political parties are enmeshed in one crisis or the other,” he said.

Dare accused some opposition figures of trying to win sympathy instead of doing the difficult work required to build a formidable political structure.

He also dismissed claims that the current administration was suppressing opposition voices, saying the political space remains open and active.

According to him, the ability of ADC members to protest openly without interference shows that democratic freedoms are still being respected under Tinubu’s government.

“The federal government will always protect the rights of the people to carry out their activities. Journalists work freely and attack the president on daily basis with no one stopping them from doing their job.

“Is it supposed to be the duty of the president to help organise the opposition? Building a strong political party is a tedious process. We all know how difficult it was to build the APC.

“APC is not the architect of ADC’s crisis. It is self-inflicted. Instead of building their party into a strong force, the leaders are looking for short cuts. Building a strong political force requires sacrifice and hardwork. If you cannot do that, don’t blame someone else for the resultant failure,” Dare said.

He maintained that President Tinubu would not interfere in the internal affairs of opposition parties and that the government would continue to uphold the rights of all Nigerians to freely participate in politics.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep