ADC calls on Tinubu to clarify ‘All is fair in politics’ remark, protests against alleged attacks on opposition

ADC calls on Tinubu to clarify ‘All is fair in politics’ remark, protests against alleged attacks on opposition

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to clarify his statement that “all is fair in politics”, saying the remark is being interpreted by members of his political party, All Progressives Congress (APC) as justification for attacks and intimidation against opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also protested what it described as a growing pattern of attacks on opposition rallies, party property and members, warning that political violence and intimidation could undermine the conditions necessary for credible elections.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made this call on Monday in Abuja at a press conference called to address alleged political violence, voter intimidation and what the party described as an increasingly uneven political environment.

Abdullahi said every Nigerian has the constitutional right to support a political party of his choice, while every registered political party has the right to organize meetings, campaign and conduct lawful activities without intimidation.

He urged the government to ensure that security agencies protect all political parties equally.

“The Nigerian Police is not the APC Police; it is the Federal Republic of Nigeria Police,” Abdullahi said.

According to him, the ADC had documented several incidents between July 2025 and September 2026, involving alleged attacks on opposition meetings, destruction of party property, attacks on participants and threats related to political affiliations.

He said the incidents occurred in Kaduna, Kebbi, Ekiti, Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Osun, Kogi and Enugu states.

Giving specific examples, Abdullahi said the ADC secretariat in Benin, Edo State was attacked in February during a political meeting, while shots were reportedly fired at the residence of former governor and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, where political leaders had gathered.

He said the Edo State Police Command confirmed the incidents and ordered an investigation, but said there had been no arrests, prosecutions or public reports on the outcome of the investigation.

The ADC spokesperson also cited an alleged attack three days ago in Community Ward One, Ahoada West Local Government Area of ​​Rivers State, where he said a party member, Kamadiyoi, was killed while preparing for a political meeting.

He further said an opposition rally in Enugu was disrupted by gunmen, resulting in injuries, while attacks on ADC members in two wards in Kogi state last week left several members hospitalized.

“These incidents require a proper investigation, including an examination of the allegations against private individuals and public safety personnel who were complicit,” he said.

Abdullahi also criticized what he described as provocative statements by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including alleged threats of physical punishment, eviction of people who refused to support the party and calls for attacks against opposition members.

He noted that Senator Francis Fadahusin was called by the police for his statements during the Osun State governorship election but was released after describing his comments as metaphorical.

He also pointed out that a female leader of the APC has called for divorce against women whose husbands do not support the ruling party.

“We are not crying. We are just notifying. When the state refuses to protect citizens, citizens have the right to engage in self-help activity,” he warned.

Abdullahi, however, said the ADC does not support violence, noting that the party’s national chairman, Senator David Mark, has called on its candidates and supporters to avoid divisive rhetoric.

It called on the inspector general of police to make public the status of investigations into reported cases of political violence, claiming that by mid-September people had been killed or injured and property destroyed without any judicial proceedings.

The ADC spokesperson said the party maintains a central database of alleged incidents, including dates, locations, witness accounts, photographic and video evidence, medical documentation and complaints made to security agencies.

He said the party will pursue petitions and judicial remedies where necessary and involve the National Human Rights Commission, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, the African Union and civil society organisations.

Abdullahi also called on international partners and the ECOWAS delegation currently in Nigeria to assess the broader pre-election context, rather than focusing solely on election day activities.

He said such an assessment should include whether opposition parties can hold meetings freely, campaign without intimidation and operate in an environment where security agencies remain impartial.

The ADC also alleged that opposition parties were denied access to advertising spaces, claiming that only ruling party billboards were visible in Abuja and that some states were demanding up to $200 million for the placement of billboards.

“The elections are not free and fair if opposition parties cannot campaign freely, cannot hold meetings freely, cannot advertise our candidates. This will form the basis for whether or not we accept the outcome of the 2027 elections,” he said.

Returning to the President’s “all is fair in politics” statement, Abdullahi urged Tinubu to clarify the context and meaning of the statement, particularly in light of the alleged attacks on the opposition’s political activities.

“Mr President, the authority of your office gives you the responsibility to protect every citizen whether they support you or not,” he said.

He also urged the President and the leadership of the APC to publicly condemn attacks on opposition parties and reaffirm the right of Nigerians to participate in political activities without intimidation.

The ADC spokesperson reiterated that the party will continue to carry out its political activities in a peaceful and law-abiding manner, while urging all political actors to avoid rhetoric or actions that could increase tensions ahead of the next general elections.