The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported declaration of war against candidates opposed to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the February 21, 2026 elections, warning that threats and intimidation will not stop Nigerians from freely choosing their leaders.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described Wike’s remarks as irresponsible and dangerous, particularly given the country’s current political and economic situation. The ADC said such comments would not deter Nigerians from exercising their democratic right to decide who to vote for at the polls.
According to the party, the minister’s statement was troubling at a time when the nation is already grappling with severe economic hardship, rising insecurity, and heightened political tension. It warned that inflammatory rhetoric from public officials could further destabilise an already fragile atmosphere.
The ADC stressed that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy and must not be reduced to a platform for settling political scores. It maintained that political power ultimately belongs to the people, not to any president, minister, or public office holder who assumes that holding office equates to owning the country.
The party said it was reminding President Bola Tinubu, the ruling All Progressives Congress, Nyesom Wike, and other government officials that Nigerians cannot be bullied, threatened, or pressured into supporting any political candidate. It argued that attempts to intimidate voters only reveal fear and growing anxiety within the ruling camp over declining public support and an increasing disconnect between the government and many citizens.
According to the ADC, if the ruling party and its leaders are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate. It added that it would not stand by while political actors undermine democracy, vowing to resist any attempt to interfere with the electoral process.
The party concluded by insisting that no declaration of war or political pressure would override the will of Nigerians, stressing that the voice of the electorate would prevail in the February 21 elections.
