‘Threats Won’t Deter Voters’ – ADC Sends Message to Wike

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 before to the elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.

The party called the remark reckless and hazardous in a statement released Monday, which was signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, its national publicity secretary.

It wouldn’t prevent Nigerians from choosing who to vote for, the statement said.

The ADC said the minister’s comments were concerning, particularly given the nation’s current political unrest, economic suffering, and insecurity.

In light of the precarious state of our country, we believe the Minister’s declaration of war against alleged anti-Tinubu candidates is not only reckless but also dangerous. Nigeria doesn’t need divisive language from those in public office at a time when the people are facing unheard-of levels of economic misery, insecurity, and political mistrust.

Nigeria is a constitutional democracy; it should not be used as a platform for political score-settling. The statement cautioned, “Power ultimately belongs to the people, not to any President, any Minister, or anyone who mistakenly believes that holding public office means owning the country.”

The party claimed to be reminding Nyesom Wike, the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other administrative officials that Nigerians are not subject to coercion or bullying.

It further stated that any attempt to intimidate or coerce voters into complying simply 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 as political players undermine our democracy. With every tool at our disposal, we will adamantly oppose any overt or covert attempt to undermine Nigerians’ right to freely pick their leaders. In support of the integrity of the voting process, we are ready to rally civil society partners, democratic institutions, and the Nigerian people themselves,” the statement continued.

The ADC declared, “They should respectfully submit to the electorate’s decision if they are confident in their performance.”

Additionally, the party pledged to oppose any effort to tamper with the election’s results.

According to the statement, “We will vigorously oppose any attempt, whether overt or covert, to undermine Nigerians’ right to freely select their leaders using all available means.”

In the polls on February 21, the ADC emphasized that neither a declaration of war nor political pressure will overrule the will of the people.