The African Democratic Congress has called on President Bola Tinubu to retract his statement that “all is fair in politics” and direct members of the ruling All Progressives Congress to stop actions that could fuel political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the demand during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, where he raised concerns over alleged attacks on opposition members, destruction of party properties and threats against political activities.
Bolaji said the party had documented violence incidents involving opposition parties between July 2025 to September 2026 across several states, including Kaduna, Kebbi, Rivers, Edo, Osun and Kogi.
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He alleged that the incidents included attacks on political gatherings and party offices, assaults on party members and threats linked to political activities.
ADC Cites Alleged Inflammatory Statements
The ADC spokesman also accused some members of the ruling party of making statements capable of inciting violence, citing the reported comments attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi and the Kuje Area Council chairman, Samuel Danjuma
Abdullahi said Tinubu’s earlier “all is fair in politics” remark should be clarified, arguing that the statement could be interpreted by party members as approval for violent actions taken in the pursuit of electoral victory.
ADC Seeks Investigation Into Violent Attacks
The ADC further urged authorities to investigate alleged threats against the opposition by political actors.
He said the party was not calling for confrontation but was putting the government and security agencies on notice that political violence against opposition members must stop.
“The ADC would continue documenting alleged incidents and pursue lawful avenues through relevant Nigerian and international institutions,” Bolaji stressed.
He also urged authorities, The Media and Nigeria’s international partners to pay attention to the conditions under which political parties operate ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that the credibility of an election should not be assessed only on election day.
“Opposition parties must be allowed to hold meetings, campaign and organise political activities freely for the electoral process to be considered credible,” Bolaji said.
The ADC spokesman further called on the President and leaders of the ruling party to publicly discourage violence and ensure that security agencies protect the rights of all political parties and their supporters.
The party however reiterated that its members and candidates had been directed to avoid hate speech, divisive rhetoric and political violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.