The Federal Capital Territory’s Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been under fire from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for allegedly declaring war on anti-Tinubu candidates prior to the February 21, 2026, elections.
The statement, which was signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s national publicity secretary, on Monday, called the remark hazardous and reckless.
According to the statement, Nigerians would still be able to choose their candidates.
Particularly during a period of economic hardship, political unrest, and insecurity, the ADC said the minister’s comments were concerning.
We believe that, in the current precarious state of our country, the Minister’s declaration of war against alleged anti-Tinubu candidates is not only reckless but also dangerous. The last thing Nigeria needs at this time is divisive language from people in public office, as the nation struggles with unheard-of levels of economic misery, insecurity, and political mistrust.
As a constitutional democracy, Nigeria must not be used as a platform for political score-settling. The people, not any president, minister, or other individual who mistakenly believes that holding public office entitles one to possess the nation, are ultimately in charge, the statement cautioned.
The party claimed it was reminding Nyesom Wike, the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other administrative officials that Nigerians are not to be intimidated or coerced.
It went on to say that any attempt to intimidate or coerce voters into complying simply demonstrates fear and highlights what it said is a rising sense of unease among Wike, Tinubu, and the APC with their level of public support as well as a growing gulf between the government and many residents.
“The APC, Wike, and its leaders should respectfully accept the electorate’s decision if they are confident in their performance.
“The ADC won’t stand by and let political players destroy our democracy.” Through all available means, we will adamantly oppose any overt or covert attempt to undermine Nigerians’ right to freely pick their leaders. The statement further stated that we are ready to rally Nigerians, civil society partners, and democratic institutions to protect the integrity of the voting process.
The ADC stated that if they are confident in their performance, they ought to respectfully accept the electorate’s decision.
The party further pledged to oppose any attempt to tamper with the election’s outcome.
The statement said, “We will vigorously oppose any attempt, whether overt or covert, to undermine Nigerians’ right to freely choose their leaders by any means available to us.”
No political pressure or declaration of war would overrule the electorate’s voice in the polls on February 21, the ADC emphasized.
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