The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to publicly explain his July 29 statement that “all is fair in politics,” warning that his silence amid recent political threats could send a troubling signal.
In a statement issued Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC urged the President to personally distance himself from remarks that appear to intimidate voters and to caution members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The demand follows reports that Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, allegedly told residents who refuse to support the APC to leave the council.
“People’s right to live in their own country should not depend on the political party they support,” the ADC stressed.
Abdullahi described Shekwolo’s alleged comments as a threat of forced displacement, noting that as an elected official, he is responsible for the safety and welfare of all residents.
The opposition party argued that Tinubu’s earlier remark has taken on new significance in light of such statements from APC members.
“If that is not what the President meant, he should say so himself, and he should say so now. Silence at this point is not neutrality. Silence is ratification,” the ADC declared.
Beyond demanding clarification, the party called for Shekwolo’s immediate arrest and prosecution by the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), citing violations of constitutional rights to freedom of association, residence, and protection against discrimination.
The ADC also referenced a past incident involving APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi during the Osun governorship election, where alleged threats against opposition supporters did not result in charges.
The party warned that such lack of accountability could embolden similar behaviour.
Finally, the ADC urged the National Peace Committee to intervene before political tensions escalate ahead of the 2027 general elections.