The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported declaration of ‘war’ against anti-Tinubu candidates ahead of the February 21, 2026, elections.
In a statement issued on Monday (today) by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the comment as irresponsible and dangerous, insisting that it would not prevent Nigerians from freely deciding who to vote for.
The party said the minister’s remarks were troubling, particularly at a time when the country was grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and political tension.
“We consider the Minister’s declaration of war against so-called anti-Tinubu candidates not only irresponsible, but dangerous in the current fragile atmosphere of our nation. At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and deep political distrust, the last thing the country needs is inflammatory rhetoric from those entrusted with public office.
“Nigeria must not be turned into a ground for settling political scores; it is a constitutional democracy. Power ultimately belongs to the people, not to any President, any Minister, or anyone who wrongly assumes that holding public office means owning the country,” the statement read.
The ADC said it was reminding President Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, Wike and other officials that Nigerians could not be intimidated or pressured into supporting any candidate.
According to the party, attempts to threaten voters reflected fear and anxiety within the ruling establishment over its level of public support and what it described as a widening disconnect between the government and citizens.
Naija News reports that the opposition party also vowed to resist any attempt to interfere with the outcome of the election, insisting that no declaration of war or political pressure would override the voice of the electorate.
“If Wike, the APC and its leaders are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate.
“The ADC will not sit idly by and watch political actors truncate our democracy. Any attempt, overt or covert, to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every means at our disposal. We are prepared to mobilize democratic institutions, civil society partners, and the Nigerian people themselves in defense of the sanctity of the ballot,” the statement added.
The party reiterated that the February 21 polls must reflect the genuine choice of voters, stressing that democracy would be undermined if intimidation or political pressure were allowed to shape the electoral process.
