Presidency Dismisses ADC’s Criticism, Says Tinubu Protected Federalism In Rivers

The Presidency has dismissed criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers State emergency rule, insisting that the President acted constitutionally and in defence of Nigeria’s federal structure.

Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, in a post on his verified X handle, @SundayDareSD, described the ADC’s allegations of autocracy, manipulation, and undermining federalism as “laughable” and an exercise in “nuisance politics.”

Dare said President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to forestall bloodshed and restore governance when law and order came under grave threat in Rivers State.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is clear: under Section 305, the President has the power — and the duty — to act when law and order are under grave threat. What the President delivered is stability, the return of democratic institutions, and peace in Rivers State. Nigerians can see the difference: President Tinubu acted right. That is what posterity will remember him for,” Dare said.

The presidential aide dismissed ADC’s claim that federalism was weakened, noting that Tinubu’s decision shielded elected officials in the state rather than reducing them to presidential appointees.

“To accuse the President of undermining federalism is laughable. As a former Governor, no Nigerian alive presently has fought harder for state autonomy than Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. What ADC offers Nigerians is late pontification and empty noise. What the President delivered is stability, peace, and order,” he said.

According to the Presidency, the emergency decision was neither whimsical nor partisan, but a constitutional necessity aimed at protecting the state and, by extension, the federation.