The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retract his controversial “All Is Fair in Politics” statement, warning that such remarks could embolden political violence and undermine national peace as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The council also raised concerns over what it described as the President’s failure to address alleged threats, provocative comments and inflammatory remarks attributed to some governors and prominent members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It maintained that the President must demonstrate leadership beyond party affiliations by openly discouraging actions capable of escalating political tensions.
In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the ADC-PCC called on Tinubu to uphold the responsibilities of his office and demonstrate the maturity and impartiality expected of a national leader. It referenced former President Goodluck Jonathan’s famous declaration that no ambition to occupy the presidency was worth the life of any Nigerian, urging the incumbent President to make a similar pledge to peaceful democratic participation.
The campaign council faulted the Presidency for what it described as selective condemnation of political violence, alleging that official reactions had largely targeted opposition parties while overlooking accusations of intimidation and violent conduct involving members of the governing APC. It argued that the President’s “All Is Fair in Politics” remark was unbecoming of someone occupying the highest political office in the country and could be misconstrued as an endorsement of political thuggery, electoral intimidation, ballot snatching and violence.
The ADC-PCC further alleged that political activities organised by opposition supporters had been disrupted in several states, including Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Lagos, Kebbi and Kaduna. According to the council, suspected thugs allegedly sponsored by the APC attacked opposition gatherings, destroyed campaign materials and assaulted supporters. It accused the Presidency of diverting attention from these allegations by blaming those affected and calling on opposition parties to exercise restraint rather than confronting the alleged misconduct within the ruling party.
The council also questioned the apparent disparity in the President’s response to allegations of political violence, demanding an explanation for what it described as a greater willingness to condemn opposition parties than members of his political platform. It further challenged Tinubu to address alleged threats involving APC governors and provocative statements attributed to some party officials, insisting that silence on such matters could undermine public confidence in his commitment to democratic values.
Reiterating its commitment to peaceful campaigns and issue-driven political participation, the ADC-PCC said its political message would centre on finding solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges, particularly hunger, insecurity, unemployment and corruption. The council also accused the ruling party of relying on intimidation and political aggression because, in its view, it had failed to provide convincing answers to the difficulties confronting Nigerians.
Consequently, the ADC-PCC outlined three major demands: that Tinubu publicly withdraw his “All Is Fair in Politics” statement; condemn and caution APC governors and party officials allegedly making statements capable of inciting violence; and instruct security agencies to discharge their responsibilities impartially by protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation.
“ 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.
