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Nigeria’s political temperature rose sharply ahead of the February 21, 2026 polls as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) launched a blistering response to remarks credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a strongly worded press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party condemned what it described as Wike’s declaration of “war” against anti-Tinubu candidates, calling the rhetoric reckless and dangerous in an already fragile political climate.
The ADC argued that such language risks deepening tensions at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and widespread distrust in public institutions.
It insisted that the outcome of the February 21 elections will be determined not by threats or political theatrics, but by the sovereign will of the electorate.
In its statement, the party drew a sharp line between political competition and democratic conduct, stressing that Nigeria “is not a battlefield for political vendettas, but a constitutional democracy.”
The ADC maintained that power ultimately resides with the people, not with any president, minister, or ruling party. It warned that inflammatory language from senior government officials could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and destabilise democratic norms.
Without mincing words, the opposition party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to intimidate voters — a move it said reflects growing anxiety about public support.
The statement suggested that if the government and its allies are confident in their record, they should “submit humbly to the verdict of the electorate.” According to the ADC, threats of confrontation betray fear rather than strength.
Political observers say the exchange signals an increasingly combative pre-election atmosphere, with opposition parties positioning themselves as defenders of democratic integrity while the ruling establishment projects political confidence.
The ADC further vowed to resist “any attempt, overt or covert” to subvert the will of Nigerians through lawful and constitutional means. It pledged to mobilise democratic institutions, civil society partners, and citizens to safeguard the sanctity of the ballot.
Though the party directed its strongest words at Wike, it also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC leadership, reminding them that no office holder owns the mandate of the people.
Analysts note that with weeks to the polls, political messaging is intensifying, and narratives of intimidation versus legitimacy may dominate campaign discourse.
For many Nigerians, the coming days will test not just party strength, but institutional resilience.
As the February 21 elections approach, one message from the ADC rings loud: the ballot — not declarations of “war” — will decide.
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