The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Presidency over its recent statement claiming that Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Bola Tinubu were aligned on the alleged suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement signed by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned what it described as unconstitutional interference in the affairs of Rivers State, insisting that President Tinubu lacks the legal authority to remove a sitting governor.
“This simple truth must not be lost in the fog of political correctness,” the ADC said, commending Vice President Shettima for his “forthright and courageous” comments asserting that the President has no constitutional powers to remove even a local government councillor, much less a governor.
The party labeled the Presidency’s clarification as a “mere attempt at political correctness” and urged Shettima to stand firm on the side of the Constitution.
Citing Shettima’s own account of surviving removal efforts during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, the ADC praised the former president’s adherence to legal advice from ex-Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and ex-Attorney General Mohammed Bello Adoke, which prevented a constitutional breach at the time.
“Unlike Jonathan, who respected the law, President Tinubu has chosen to tread the path of unconstitutionality,” the statement continued. “The suspension of a duly elected governor is not just illegal—it is authoritarian and dangerous.”
The ADC further warned that continued executive overreach in Rivers State threatens Nigeria’s democracy and federal structure, urging Tinubu to restore democratic governance, halt unconstitutional actions, and apologize to Nigerians for the abuse of power.
“For avoidance of doubt, the Boko Haram insurgency that led to a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa was far more severe than the current situation in Rivers. Yet Jonathan respected constitutional boundaries. Why can’t Tinubu?” the party asked.
The ADC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to defending democracy, justice, and constitutionalism in Nigeria.
