A support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Grassroots Mobilization Network (GMN), has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his claim that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attempted to “privatise” the party.

The group was reacting to remarks made by Tinubu on Thursday, April 16, 2026, while hosting coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he alleged that Atiku “wanted to privatize the ADC, but the owners said no.”

In a statement issued in Abuja, the GMN described the President’s comment as “misleading” and “beneath the dignity of his office,” insisting that the ADC is not a private entity that can be taken over by any individual.

According to the group, the party remains “a duly registered political platform owned collectively by millions of Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” with its leadership structures formed in line with its constitution, the Electoral Act, and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group further alleged that Tinubu’s remarks lend credence to long-standing suspicions that the Presidency is not a neutral observer but an active player in the internal crises affecting opposition parties.

“These statements, coming from the nation’s highest office, are deeply troubling and confirm fears that the Presidency is involved in the challenges confronting viable opposition platforms, including the ADC,” the statement said.

While agreeing with the President’s call for respect for the rule of law, the group maintained that its rejection of what it termed “contrived crises and politically sponsored impostors” was rooted in its commitment to due process.

It also raised concerns that the President’s comments could be perceived as an attempt to influence ongoing legal matters involving the party, warning against any action that might undermine judicial independence.

Drawing parallels with the 2023 general elections, the group noted that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were able to contest under different party platforms without interference from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The statement also referenced crises within the Labour Party, including the emergence of Lamidi Apapa, describing them as part of a broader pattern allegedly aimed at weakening opposition parties.

The GMN warned that such developments could threaten Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and pave the way for a one-party system if not addressed.

It called on President Tinubu to “be a democrat in deed, not just in words,” stressing that the Presidency must not interfere in the internal affairs of opposition parties.

Reaffirming its stance, the group said the ADC remains united under its legitimate leadership and would continue to mobilize Nigerians toward providing a credible political alternative.

The statement was signed by Idris Bala Musa, Secretary of the GMN.