By Abuja, Nigeria
One of the leading opposition parties in the country, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called out the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike, over his declaration that he would not support any candidate who will not work for President Tinubu ahead of the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections in the nation’s capital.
ADC in statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Monday, described the comment as irresponsible and dangerous, adding that the Minister would not stop Nigerians from deciding who to vote.
“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,” Bolaji warned.
The party reiterated that any attempt to threaten or force voters into submission only shows fear and exposes what it described as growing anxiety within Wike, Tinubu and the APC over their level of public support, as well as a widening disconnect between the government and many citizens.
“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.
