The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to clarify his statement made on July 29, where he remarked that 'all is fair in politics.' This request comes in light of recent threats made by a local political leader that could intimidate voters and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of the upcoming elections.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed concern that the President's silence on the matter could be interpreted as an endorsement of such threats. The ADC specifically pointed to comments made by Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, the chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, who allegedly warned residents that those who do not support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should leave the council.

Abdullahi emphasized that the right of citizens to reside in their country should not be contingent upon their political affiliations. He criticized Shekwolo's remarks as a dangerous attempt to link political support with residency rights, which the ADC views as a threat of forced displacement.

The ADC's statement highlighted the need for President Tinubu to distance himself from such intimidating rhetoric, stating, "If that is not what the President meant, he should say so himself, and he should say so now." The party insists that the President's silence on this issue is not a neutral stance but rather an implicit approval of the threats being made.

In addition to calling for clarification from Tinubu, the ADC has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Shekwolo by the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS). They argue that Shekwolo's alleged threats violate several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, including the right to freedom of association and protection against discrimination.

The ADC also referenced a previous incident involving APC Senator Francis Fadahunsi during the Osun governorship election, where he allegedly threatened opposition supporters but faced no serious repercussions. This lack of accountability, according to the ADC, could embolden other political figures to engage in similar intimidation tactics.

As political tensions rise in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, the ADC has called on the National Peace Committee to intervene and prevent further escalation of threats and violence in the political arena. The party's demands reflect a growing concern among opposition groups regarding the conduct of the ruling party and the potential implications for Nigeria's democratic processes.