The African Democratic Congress has called on President Bola Tinubu to explain his earlier statement that all is fair in politics, saying recent comments by some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress have raised concerns about political intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The opposition party made the demand on Wednesday in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
The ADC said the President should publicly clarify what he meant by the statement he made on July 29 and distance himself from comments that could be seen as threats against voters or opposition supporters.
The party’s reaction followed controversy surrounding comments attributed to the Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, Danjuma Shekwolo. The council chairman had reportedly told residents that they should support the APC or leave the area.
Shekwolo later withdrew the remark and explained that it was made during a meeting with APC youths and supporters. He also acknowledged that, as council chairman, he had no authority to deny residents their fundamental rights because of their political choices.
The ADC, however, said the incident should not be treated lightly because residents have the right to live in any part of Nigeria regardless of the political party they support.
The opposition party argued that the President’s earlier comment about politics being a situation where all is fair now requires clarification because of the recent statement attributed to the Kuje council chairman.
The party said Tinubu should personally state whether the remark represented his position and make it clear that threats against citizens over their political choices would not be accepted.
The ADC also criticised what it described as silence from the authorities over political statements capable of creating fear among voters.
Beyond asking the President to speak, the party called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services to investigate the Kuje chairman and, if found culpable, prosecute him.
The party said the alleged threat raised questions about constitutional rights relating to freedom of association, freedom of residence and protection from discrimination.
The ADC also referred to an earlier incident involving APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi during the Osun governorship election. The party alleged that Fadahunsi had made threats against opposition supporters but was later questioned by the police and released without prosecution.
According to the opposition party, failing to punish political actors who make such statements could encourage others to make similar threats.
The ADC further called on the National Peace Committee to intervene and help prevent political tensions from increasing as parties and politicians begin preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party said political competition should not affect the rights and safety of Nigerians, regardless of the parties they support or the candidates they intend to vote for.