February 21 Elections: ADC Tells Wike ‘Threats Won’t Stop Nigerians from Voting Tinubu Out’

Nigeria’s opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of using inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the February 21, 2026 elections, warning that no amount of pressure would stop voters from making their choice at the ballot box.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the minister’s reported “declaration of war” against anti-Tinubu candidates as reckless and destabilising.

‘Dangerous in a Fragile Atmosphere’

“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,” the statement said.

The party argued that the country is already grappling with economic hardship, insecurity and political tension, and warned that heated political language from public officials could deepen divisions.

At the centre of the dispute is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration the ADC says must submit itself to the democratic will of the electorate.

‘Power Belongs to the People’

The ADC stressed that Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy where sovereignty rests with citizens, not office holders.

“Nigeria must not be turned into a ground for settling political scores; it is a constitutional democracy. Power ultimately belongs to the people, not to any President, any Minister, or anyone who wrongly assumes that holding public office means owning the country,” the party warned.

It further insisted that attempts to intimidate or pressure voters would only reflect insecurity within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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

Vow to Defend the Ballot

The opposition party pledged to resist any effort — “overt or covert” — to undermine the integrity of the February 21 polls.

“The ADC will not sit idly by and watch political actors truncate our democracy. Any attempt… to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every means at our disposal,” it said.

The party added that it was prepared to mobilise democratic institutions, civil society groups and citizens to safeguard what it described as the sanctity of the ballot.

With political tensions rising ahead of the elections, the exchange underscores the increasingly combative tone of Nigeria’s pre-election campaign season.