ADC Challenges Tinubu to Clarify ‘All Is Fair in Politics’ Remark

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly clarify his July 29 comment that “all is fair in politics,” amid concerns over alleged political threats and voter intimidation.

The party made the demand in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

The ADC said the President’s silence over recent statements allegedly threatening voters could create the wrong impression and urged him to personally distance himself from comments that appear to intimidate Nigerians over their political choices.

The opposition party also called on Tinubu to caution members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, against statements or actions that could undermine citizens’ freedom to support political parties of their choice.

The ADC’s position followed reports involving the chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, who allegedly warned residents who refused to vote for the APC to leave the council.

The opposition party described such a reported statement as unacceptable, arguing that political affiliation should not determine a citizen’s right to live in any part of Nigeria.

According to the ADC, “People’s right to live in their own country should not depend on the political party they support.”

The party said President Tinubu should address the controversy surrounding his earlier “all is fair in politics” remark and make his position clear to Nigerians.

It argued that the President, as the country’s leader, has a responsibility to protect citizens’ constitutional rights and ensure that political competition does not translate into threats against voters.

The ADC further urged the President to call members of his party to order and ensure that political disagreements are handled within the bounds of democratic principles.

The controversy comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties increasingly scrutinising statements and actions by members of the ruling APC.

The ADC maintained that Nigerians should be free to support any political party without fear of intimidation, displacement or retaliation.