Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has come under fire from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for allegedly declaring war on anti-Tinubu candidates prior to the February 21, 2026, elections.
The party characterized the remark as reckless and hazardous in a statement released Monday, which was signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, its national publicity secretary.
The statement said that Nigerians would still be able to choose their candidates.
According to the ADC, the minister’s comments were concerning, particularly given the nation’s current political unrest, economic suffering, and insecurity.
In light of our country’s precarious current state, we believe the Minister’s declaration of war against alleged anti-Tinubu candidates is not only reckless but also dangerous. The last thing Nigeria needs is divisive language from those in public office at a time when the people are suffering from unheard-of levels of economic misery, insecurity, and political mistrust.
Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, hence it shouldn’t be used as a platform for political grudges. The statement issued a warning: “Power ultimately belongs to the people, not to any President, any Minister, or anyone who mistakenly believes that holding public office entails owning the country.”
According to the party, it was reminding Nyesom Wike, the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other administrative officials that Nigerians cannot be coerced or intimidated.
It further stated that any effort to intimidate or coerce voters into complying merely demonstrates fear and reveals what it said is a rising sense of unease among Wike, Tinubu, and the APC with their level of popular support, as well as a growing gap between the government and many residents.
“Wike, the APC, and its leaders should respectfully accept the electorate’s decision if they are confident in their performance.
“The ADC will not watch helplessly while political players undermine our democracy. We will use every tool at our disposal to adamantly oppose any overt or covert attempt to undermine Nigerians’ right to freely pick their leaders. In order to protect the integrity of the voting process, we are ready to rally civil society partners, democratic institutions, and the Nigerian people themselves,” the statement continued.
“They should respectfully accept the electorate’s decision if they are confident in their performance,” the ADC stated.
Additionally, the party pledged to oppose any effort to tamper with the election’s outcome.
“We will vigorously oppose any attempt, whether overt or covert, to undermine Nigerians’ right to freely select their leaders using all available tools,” the statement said.
The ADC maintained that the electorate’s voice in the polls on February 21 would not be overridden by a declaration of war or political pressure.
