The African Democratic Congress (ADC) said the statement credited to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike regarding Saturday’s Area Council elections is dangerous to democracy.
ADC in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, noted that 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 public office holders.
The party reminded the FCT minister that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, stating that it is the people who will decide who rules them, and not the president or Wike.
ADC stated that Wike’s declaration betray the anxiety and fear of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Attempts to threaten or coerce voters into political submission only advertise their fear,” the party said, adding that they reveal how deeply disconnected and unpopular the 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,” ADC said.
It however stated that it will not sit idly by and watch political actors truncate the nation’s 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 mobilise democratic institutions, civil society partners, and the Nigerian people themselves in defense of the sanctity of the ballot,” ADC promised.
It added that 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.”
