ADC Fires Tinubu Over 'All Is Fair in Politics' Remark

The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to publicly withdraw his remark that "All Is Fair in Politics". The council stated that such comments could encourage political violence and threaten Nigeria's peace and stability ahead of the 2027 general election. In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC expressed concern over the President's silence on inflammatory statements allegedly made by some governors and chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The ADC-PCC alleged that opposition gatherings and supporters had come under attack in several states, including Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Lagos, Kebbi, and Kaduna. The council accused suspected APC supporters of destroying campaign materials and brutalising opposition supporters, alleging that President Tinubu had failed to call members of his party to order despite the incidents. According to the statement, the President's remark was inappropriate, particularly at a time when political tensions were rising.

The opposition council criticised the Presidency's response to allegations of political violence, claiming that President Tinubu's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, had focused on cautioning opposition parties rather than addressing allegations against members of the ruling party. The ADC-PCC accused the Presidency of blaming victims of political attacks while preaching restraint to opposition parties, instead of condemning those allegedly responsible for the violence.

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 political camp. The ADC-PCC queried why the President had refused to condemn APC governors who openly threaten opposition supporters and remained silent over public incitement by officials of his party.

The ADC-PCC maintained that it remained committed to peaceful and issue-based political engagement, insisting that its campaign ahead of the 2027 general election would focus on addressing Nigeria's major challenges, including hunger, insecurity, unemployment, corruption, and the failures of the Tinubu administration. The council accused the APC of allegedly resorting to political violence because it lacked credible solutions to the country's pressing challenges.

As part of its demands, the ADC-PCC called on Tinubu to immediately and publicly withdraw his "All Is Fair in Politics" remark, condemn governors and party officials accused of making inflammatory statements, and direct security agencies to protect all Nigerians without political bias. The council invoked the position taken by former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 general election, when he declared that his presidential ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

The ADC-PCC insisted that it would not be intimidated by alleged attacks against its members and supporters, promising to continue its political activities peacefully. The council stated that Nigerians would have the opportunity to vote for competence, integrity, and a new beginning in 2027.

Key points

• ADC demands President Tinubu withdraw 'All Is Fair in Politics' remark
• Council accuses APC of resorting to political violence
• ADC-PCC commits to peaceful and issue-based political engagement