ADC also maintained that it will continue to act within the bounds of the law and will not be deterred by political attacks.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has hit back at remarks made by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, insisting it will not be intimidated by what it described as “unlawful whistles.”
The ADC made its position known on Saturday in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
The party was reacting to a post by Onanuga, which condemned its decision to proceed with its national convention despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) allegedly derecognizing its national leadership.
Earlier on Friday, Abdullahi announced via a formal notice that the party’s National Congress would proceed as planned.
The statement read: “This is to notify all party members that, despite INEC’s illegal actions, the African Democratic Congress will continue with its congresses as scheduled, having duly notified INEC via our letters dated 27th February 2026 and 28th March 2026.
“Screening of Aspirants—7th April 2026; Appeals on Screening Exercise—8th April 2026; Polling Unit, Ward, and Local Government Congresses – 9th April 2026; Appeals on the Congresses-10th April 2026; State Congresses-11th April 2026; Appeals on the State Congresses-12th April 2026 and Convention-14th2026; April 2026.”
Reacting via his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Onanuga accused the ADC of engaging in illegality.
He wrote: “Just continue your illegality, the lawless ADC. The dog that wants to get lost in the forest will ignore the hunter’s whistle.”
Responding to the jab, the ADC insisted it was not “lost” as suggested by the presidential aide, but rather chose not to heed directives it considers illegitimate.
Countering the criticism with a metaphor of his own, Abdullahi said, “The hunter you speak of has no jurisdiction in this forest.
“ADC is not lost; we are simply not following unlawful whistles. Besides, don’t forget: the forest hides that which hunts the hunter.”
The ADC spokesman maintained that the party would continue to act within the bounds of the law and would not be deterred by political attacks.
