ADC Condemns FCT Minister Wike’s ‘Declaration of War’ on Anti-Tinubu Candidates

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has slammed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his reported declaration of war against anti-Tinubu candidates ahead of the February 21, 2026 elections.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described Wike’s remarks as “irresponsible and dangerous,” warning that such rhetoric could escalate political tensions in a country already grappling with economic hardship and insecurity.

The party emphasized that Nigerians retain the constitutional right to freely decide who to vote for, adding that no minister or political figure can dictate the outcome of the polls.

“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,” the statement read.

The ADC further reminded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wike, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other government officials that attempts to pressure voters or threaten the electorate demonstrate fear and highlight a growing disconnect between the government and 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 statement added.

Reiterating its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy, the ADC vowed to resist any effort to undermine the elections, saying, “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 party concluded that no declaration of war or political pressure would override the voice of the electorate in the upcoming polls.