The African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council (ADC-PCC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly withdraw his statement, ‘All Is Fair in Politics,’ citing concerns that it could escalate political violence, embolden thugs, and compromise national stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the Council emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence and criticized the President for remaining silent on alleged incidents of political violence reportedly involving members of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the ADC-PCC, the President’s silence on these issues shows a selective approach to condemning violence, as he cautions only opposition parties while allegedly shielding those within the APC accused of such acts. The Council articulated that Tinubu’s remark is not suitable language for a Head of State, labeling it as ‘the language of political desperation and an open license for thuggery, ballot snatching, intimidation, and bloodshed.’
The ADC-PCC drew attention to alleged attacks on opposition supporters across several states, including Edo, Cross River, Gombe, Lagos, Kebbi, and Kaduna. These reports of violence included attacks on opposition gatherings and the destruction of campaign materials attributed to APC-affiliated thugs.
The Council also accused the Presidency of employing diversionary tactics, claiming that it blames victims and preaches restraint to opposition parties while failing to address violence stemming from members within the ruling party. The ADC-PCC challenged Tinubu to clarify why his denouncement of political violence appears primarily directed at opposition members.
To alleviate the rising tension, the ADC-PCC has proposed three demands: the immediate withdrawal of Tinubu’s controversial remark, a condemnation of APC governors and officials inciting violence, and an assurance that security agencies will protect all citizens impartially.
The ADC-PCC underscored the importance of peaceful political engagement, asserting that its campaign focuses on tackling critical issues such as hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and corruption. The Council accused the APC of resorting to violence due to a lack of viable solutions for the nation’s challenges.
In conclusion, the ADC remanded the belief that no political ambition is worth the cost of human life, invoking the statement made by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 regarding the sanctity of life over political pursuits.
