Presidential aide defends Tinubu's 'noise' remark on ADC convention

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism from the African Democratic Congress National Legislators Serving and Former Forum ADC-NF. The ADC-NF had faulted President Tinubu's description of their party's recent convention as "noise" and a "street convention," warning that such remarks could undermine Nigeria's democracy. The forum, led by former House of Representatives member Hon. Nnenna Ukeje, accused the administration of shrinking political space and noted an inconsistency with Tinubu's past advocacy for political pluralism and judicial independence as an opposition leader. Dare dismissed these claims, labeling the opposition group as "Nigeria's latest bunch of conspiracy theorists" and accusing them of twisting the President's remarks for political gain. He stated that the pattern of opposition reaction is predictable, involving efforts to discredit the President and question the electoral process. Dare insisted that President Tinubu's comments were misinterpreted, describing them as general in nature and not specifically targeting the ADC. He argued that if the term "noise" seemed fitting to the party, it reflected their internal conduct. Dare rejected suggestions of institutional compromise, affirming Nigeria's democratic structure and the independence of the judiciary. He dismissed claims of executive interference and democratic decline as exaggerated and not supported by facts