The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised comments attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing his reported declaration of “war” against candidates perceived to be opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as reckless and potentially destabilising.
In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said such rhetoric was capable of heightening political tensions at a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and public distrust in governance.
The party insisted that the outcome of the February 21, 2026 elections would be determined solely by the Nigerian electorate, not by the president, any minister, or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It further warned that any attempt to intimidate voters or subvert the democratic process would be firmly resisted through lawful and constitutional means.
The controversy follows media reports quoting Wike as declaring political “war” against candidates who do not align with President Tinubu. Although the minister has not issued a detailed clarification of the reported comments, the ADC said the language attributed to him was deeply troubling and inappropriate for a public office holder.
According to the party, Nigeria’s current political climate demands restraint, maturity and a commitment to democratic norms, rather than combative rhetoric. “At a time when Nigerians are facing unprecedented economic strain and rising insecurity, the last thing the nation needs is inflammatory language from those entrusted with public responsibility,” the statement read.
The ADC argued that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people. It stressed that political authority derives from the electorate and not from access to state power.
“The sovereign will rests with the Nigerian people,” Abdullahi said in the statement. “It does not rest with any president, minister or political party. Access to government office does not confer ownership of the nation.”
The party accused Wike and the APC of attempting to intimidate voters ahead of the February polls, alleging that such tactics reflect anxiety over public sentiment. It contended that threats or coercive language would only reinforce perceptions of disconnection between the government and ordinary citizens.
“If the administration and its allies are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves to the judgment of the electorate without resorting to threats,” the statement continued. “Democracy requires persuasion, not intimidation.”
The ADC further pledged that it would not “sit idly by” if any political actor sought to undermine the integrity of the electoral process. It said it was prepared to collaborate with democratic institutions, civil society organisations and citizens to safeguard the sanctity of the ballot.
The party did not outline specific actions it intends to take but emphasised that its response would remain within constitutional and legal frameworks. It maintained that democratic institutions must be strengthened rather than undermined by political rhetoric.
Political observers say tensions are already building ahead of the February 21 elections, which are expected to serve as a key test of public sentiment toward the Tinubu administration. Analysts note that statements perceived as confrontational can deepen partisan divides and raise concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
The ADC’s reaction underscores the sensitivity surrounding pre-election discourse. In recent years, civil society groups and electoral observers have repeatedly called on political leaders to moderate their language and avoid comments that could be interpreted as threats or endorsements of political violence.
The party’s statement also reflects broader anxieties about democratic stability in Nigeria, where election-related tensions have historically led to unrest in some regions. By framing its response as a defence of constitutional order, the ADC positioned itself as advocating institutional safeguards rather than partisan escalation.
However, supporters of the ruling party argue that political rhetoric is often heightened during campaign periods and caution against reading excessive intent into strongly worded statements. They contend that the democratic process, overseen by independent electoral authorities, ultimately determines outcomes regardless of political pronouncements.
As of press time, there has been no formal response from Wike, the APC, or the presidency addressing the ADC’s criticism. It remains unclear whether the minister will clarify or retract the reported remarks.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to comment on the exchange but has previously reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections. Observers expect that election preparations in the coming months will attract increased scrutiny from political parties and civil society organisations alike.
For the ADC, the central message remains clear: it believes that the February 21 polls must reflect the uncoerced will of voters. The party said it would oppose, through lawful channels, any effort to compromise that principle.
“No declaration of war, no abuse of office and no political theatrics can override the sovereign voice of the electorate,” the statement concluded. “Nigeria’s democracy was hard-earned and must be protected.”
With the election date approaching, the tone of political engagement is likely to remain a focal point in national discourse. Whether the controversy surrounding the minister’s remarks will influence campaign dynamics or voter perceptions remains to be seen.
