The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has accused the Presidency of applying double standards in its response to political violence, demanding that President Bola Tinubu caution members of his party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council urged Tinubu to publicly withdraw his reported remark that “all is fair in politics”, arguing that such rhetoric could encourage intimidation, thuggery and violence against political opponents.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC accused the President of remaining silent over alleged inflammatory comments by some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and chieftains.
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It also faulted the Presidency for allegedly directing its warnings at opposition parties while failing to condemn members of the ruling party accused of political violence.
The council cited reported attacks on opposition gatherings, destruction of campaign materials and assaults on supporters in Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Lagos, Kebbi and Kaduna states.
It alleged that some of the attacks were carried out by APC-sponsored thugs, but did not provide further details to substantiate the claims.
“President Tinubu cannot claim to desire peace when his own words provide cover for violence,” the statement said.
The ADC-PCC described the phrase “All Is Fair in Politics” as inappropriate for a sitting President, warning that it could be interpreted as an endorsement of ballot snatching, intimidation and bloodshed.
It challenged Tinubu to explain why his condemnation of political violence appeared directed at opposition parties rather than members of his own political camp.
“Why has Mr President refused to condemn APC governors who openly threaten opposition supporters? Why has he remained silent over public incitement by officials of his party?” it asked.
The council called on the President to demonstrate statesmanship by publicly condemning political violence, irrespective of the political affiliation of those involved.
It also urged him to direct security agencies to protect Nigerians and political parties impartially, warning against their use as instruments of intimidation.
The ADC-PCC said the party remained committed to peaceful campaigns focused on addressing hunger, insecurity, unemployment and corruption.
It accused the APC of resorting to political violence because it lacked credible solutions to the country's challenges.
Drawing a comparison with former President Goodluck Jonathan, the council recalled his declaration during the 2015 election that no presidential ambition was worth the life of any Nigerian.
“If former President Goodluck Jonathan could make that profound declaration in 2015, President Tinubu has no excuse not to say so and demonstrate the sincerity of his commitment to peace in 2026,” it said.
The council, however, vowed that the alleged intimidation would not derail its political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The ADC will not be intimidated. We will continue to campaign peacefully, and in 2027, Nigerians will have the opportunity to vote for competence, integrity and a new beginning,” the statement added.
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