By George Mgbeleke

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has strongly condemned remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing his declaration of “war” against anti-Tinubu candidates as reckless and inflammatory.

In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the party warned that such rhetoric could deepen political tensions and undermine democratic stability, insisting that it is the Nigerian people, not President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or any minister, who will determine the outcome of the February 21, 2026 elections.

The ADC accused Wike and the All Progressives Congress, APC, of attempting to intimidate voters, arguing that such tactics reflect their fear and growing unpopularity, and vowed to resist any effort to subvert the will of Nigerians through all lawful and constitutional means.

The full statement read:

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has taken note of the deeply troubling statement credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as reported by several news outlets.

We consider the Minister’s declaration of “war” against so-called anti-Tinubu candidates not only irresponsible, but dangerous in the current fragile atmosphere of our nation. At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and deep political distrust, the last thing the country needs is inflammatory rhetoric from those entrusted with public office.

The ADC states unequivocally, Minister Wike should not add to the crisis in the country.

Nigeria is not a battlefield for political vendettas, it is a constitutional democracy. The sovereign will rests with the Nigerian people, not with any President, not with any Minister, and certainly not with those who mistake access to state power for ownership of the nation.

We remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, Wike, and all officials of this administration that Nigerians cannot and will not be intimidated. Attempts to threaten or coerce voters into political submission only advertise their fear. They betray Wike, Tinubu and the APC’s anxiety about popular support and reveal how deeply disconnected and unpopular this government has become in the eyes of many citizens.

If Wike, the APC and its leaders are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate.

The ADC will not sit idly by and watch political actors truncate our democracy. Any attempt, overt or covert, to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every means at our disposal. We are prepared to mobilize democratic institutions, civil society partners, and the Nigerian people themselves in defense of the sanctity of the ballot.

No declaration of “war,” no abuse of office, and no political theatrics can override the sovereign voice of the electorate. Our democracy was hard-earned. It will not be surrendered to intimidation by actors like Wike and his paymaster.

By George Mgbeleke

As Federal Capital Territory (FCT) councils election draws close,the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s statement, where he allegedly said that the FCT Administration will work against candidates who do not support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the threat as “unconstitutional and a violation of the constitution, the Electoral Act and Public Service Rules.”

The PDP remarked that Wike’s statement contravenes Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to belong to any political party of their choice.

In a statement it issued on Sunday, the PDP also cited Section 42 of the Constitution, which protects citizens from being disadvantaged based on their political opinions, saying Wike’s threat could be seen as an attempt to undermine this right.

The PDP further referenced the Electoral Act 2022, specifically Section 122, which prohibits undue influence, intimidation, or use of force to compel someone to vote or refrain from voting.
The party questioned whether Wike’s statement does not amount to blank intimidation and can be interpreted as using FCT Administration’s power to obstruct opponents campaign, saying it could be classified as an electoral offense.
The PDP also cited Public Service Rules, which expected public servants like Wike to remain neutral and avoid actions that bring their office into partisan disrepute.
The party urged Nigerians to reject Wike’s attempt to intimidate voters and called on relevant authorities to take action against him for his statement.
The PDP emphasized that Wike’s threat is a clear attempt to undermine democracy and the rule of law, saying it will not be tolerated.
The statement read in part: “This comment by Wike is not only contrary to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), but it also violates the Electoral Act (2022) and Public Service Rules.
“Here is why: The 1999 Constitution (As Amended), is the grundnorm of Nigeria, and two sections are particularly relevant here, namely Section 40 (Freedom of Association): Every Nigerian has the right to belong to any political party of their choice. Critics argue that a Minister using his office to “work against” those who do not support a specific leader is an attempt to undermine this fundamental right.
“Section 42 (Right to Freedom from Discrimination): This protects citizens from being disadvantaged based on their political opinions. If Wike’s “working against” involves using state resources or official FCT powers to sideline candidates, it could be challenged as a violation of this section.
“The Electoral Act is specific about behavior during an election cycle: Section 122 (Undue Influence/Intimidation): The Act prohibits any person from using “force, violence, or restraint,” or inflicting “temporal or spiritual injury” to compel someone to vote or refrain from voting.
“The Gray Area: If “working against” is interpreted as political campaigning, it is legal. However, if it is interpreted as intimidation or using the FCT Administration’s power to obstruct an opponent’s campaign, it could be classified as an electoral offense.
“Section 92 (Prohibition of Certain Conduct at Campaigns): Rallies and speeches must not be used to incite others or use language that could lead to a breach of peace.
“Public Service Rules. As a Minister, Nyesom Wike is a public servant. Under Nigeria’s Public Service Rules (PSR), officials are generally expected to remain neutral in the discharge of their duties and avoid actions that bring their office into partisan disrepute. While Nigerian ministers often take active roles in party campaigns in practice, using the authority of a public office to target political opponents remains a breach of administrative ethics.”

By George Mgbeleke
The leading pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has challenged the court of Appeal to decide the leadership conflict within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in line with the due process of the law bearing in mind that whatever verdict that emanates from them would either make or mar opposition politics in the country or could lead to the rebuilding or destruction of the party.

“HURIWA is convinced that the Court of Appeal of Nigeria has the opportunity of a lifetime to give a decision in the leadership contests within the opposition PDP that would be fair, just, equitable. The members of the civil society community in Nigeria are watching to see what kind of judgment would be read out whenever the panelists invite the contending politicians back to the court for the judgment.

“There are two options that would follow the judgment of the Court of Appeal and also the highest court in Nigeria which is the Supreme Court of Nigeria if a further appeal is instituted. These options are either to give a well-intentioned, well-considered, just, fair and transparent judgment that would help to rebuild the party supported by the few governors that the All Progressives Congress haven’t succeeded in poaching away or the Appellate court would simply donate the PDP to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory Barrister Nyesom Wike who has made it known that he doesn’t want any kind of opposition to the second term ambition of the incumbent president. The ball is in the court of the Appellate court. Already, the popular view amongst most Nigerians is that the judiciary is already pocketed by the Executive arm of government that recently donated housing assets to justices and judges in the Federal Capital Territory.”

HURIWA recalled that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had reserved judgment in the nine appeals filed by the two feuding factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in relation to decisions of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

A three-member panel of the appellate court made the announcement after lawyers for the parties in the appeals adopted their briefs and made final submissions.

The court said parties would be informed when the judgments are ready.

The appeals are principally against the decisions by Justices James Omotosho, Joyce Abdulmalik, and Peter Lifu of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.

Justices Omotosho and Lifu restrained the PDP from proceeding with the national convention scheduled for Ibadan on November 15 and 16, Oyo State on the grounds that the party failed to comply with necessary legal provisions.

Justice Omotosho’s judgment was on the suit by three aggrieved members of the party, namely, Hon Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Hon Amah Abraham Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman), and Turnah Alabh George (PDP Secretary, South-South)

Justice Life’s judgment was on the suit filed by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, who claimed to have been denied the right to contest the party’s chairmanship seat at the convention.

On Thursday, the lawyer to the appellants, including Chris Uche (SAN), prayed the court to allow the appeals filed by his clients and set aside the judgments appealed against.

Lawyers to the respondents, including Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the court to reject the appeal and affirmed the decisions of the Federal High Court.

HURIWA in its reaction stated that millions of the lovers of democracy expect that the Court of Appeal wouldn’t use the expected judgment to hit the nail on the coffin of political opposition by awarding the party to the loyalists of the minister of FCT because if that is done then that is the existential end of the PDP.

“We expect that justice should not only be done but must be seen to have been done”, says HURIWA in a media statement by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko.