ADC Knocks INEC Over Silence on Wike’s Alleged Threat Ahead of FCT Polls

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to respond to comments by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, regarding candidates not supporting President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the Federal Capital Territory council elections. 

Wike, speaking during Senator Sandy Onor’s 60th birthday celebration in Abuja, reportedly said it was his “duty to ensure that any candidate that is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the FCT council election,” adding that he had no regrets about his position.

Reacting, the FCT chapter of the ADC questioned whether INEC’s silence on the matter suggests complicity.

In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Nwigbo Chukwudi Samuel, the ADC said it was concerned that 48 hours after Wike’s remarks, the electoral body had not distanced itself from the comments.

The party also warned against any attempt to influence the outcome of the elections, insisting that voters would come out in large numbers on February 21 to cast and protect their votes until the rightful winners are declared.

The ADC urged INEC to ensure transparency and adherence to due process, stressing that only a free, fair, and credible election would be acceptable.

While declining to directly engage the FCT minister, the party challenged him to demonstrate his political popularity by openly campaigning for his preferred candidates.