The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly withdraw his “All Is Fair in Politics” remark, warning that it could encourage political violence and threaten the nation’s peace and stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council also expressed concern over what it described as the President’s silence on alleged inflammatory statements and threats by some governors and chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC urged Tinubu to rise above partisan interests and demonstrate the statesmanship expected of a national leader.
It cited former President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration that no presidential ambition was worth the blood of any Nigerian, urging Tinubu to make a similar commitment to peaceful political engagement.
The council criticised the Presidency for allegedly focusing its condemnation of political violence on opposition parties while failing to address accusations against members of the ruling party.
It said the President’s remark that “All Is Fair in Politics” was inappropriate for a sitting Head of State, arguing that it could be interpreted as providing cover for thuggery, ballot snatching, intimidation and bloodshed.
The ADC-PCC alleged that opposition gatherings had come under attack in Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Lagos, Kebbi and Kaduna states, with campaign materials destroyed and supporters assaulted by suspected APC-sponsored thugs.
It, however, accused the Presidency of adopting what it described as diversionary tactics by blaming victims and urging opposition parties to exercise restraint instead of addressing alleged acts of violence within the APC.
The council challenged Tinubu to explain why his condemnation of political violence appeared to be directed more at opposition parties than members of his own party.
It also questioned the President’s silence over alleged threats by APC governors and inflammatory statements by party officials.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful and issue-based political engagement, the ADC-PCC said its campaign would focus on addressing the country’s challenges, including hunger, insecurity, unemployment and corruption.
It also accused the APC of resorting to political intimidation because it lacked credible solutions to the problems confronting Nigerians.
The council consequently demanded that Tinubu publicly withdraw his “All Is Fair in Politics” remark, condemn and call to order APC governors and party officials accused of inciting violence, and direct security agencies to protect all Nigerians without political bias.
“ Nigeria belongs to all of us. No political ambition is worth the blood 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.
“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.