The upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council election, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, is already generating significant political activity and controversy. Ex-presidential candidate Peter Obi recently visited Kado-Kuchi in Abuja to campaign for candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). A large crowd gathered to welcome Obi, chanting slogans and expressing strong support for the ADC, with voices repeatedly emphasizing, “Our vote must count!” This campaign initiative aims to mobilize voters across FCT communities ahead of the crucial polls.

However, the electoral landscape in the FCT is clouded by contentious remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The African Democratic Congress (ADC), through its national spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, has vehemently condemned Wike’s alleged declaration of “war” against candidates who do not support President Bola Tinubu. The ADC described Wike’s comments as reckless and inflammatory, warning that such rhetoric could severely deepen political tensions and undermine democratic stability. The party stressed that the outcome of the February 2026 elections should be determined solely by the Nigerian people, not by the President or any minister. The ADC accused Wike and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to intimidate voters, arguing that these tactics reflect their fear and growing unpopularity. The party has vowed to resist any attempts to subvert the will of Nigerians through all lawful and constitutional means.

The ADC elaborated on its concerns, calling Wike’s statement “deeply troubling” and inherently dangerous in Nigeria’s current fragile atmosphere. They highlighted the nation’s ongoing struggles with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity, and profound political distrust, asserting that inflammatory rhetoric from public office holders is the last thing the country needs. The party firmly stated that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a battlefield for political vendettas, and that sovereign will rests with the Nigerian people. They reminded President Tinubu, the APC, and Wike that Nigerians cannot be intimidated, and any attempts to coerce voters into political submission only expose their anxiety about popular support and reveal a deep disconnect from the citizens.

Adding to the chorus of condemnation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) also accused Minister Nyesom Wike of voter intimidation and attempting to manipulate the forthcoming area council elections in Abuja. In a statement by its chairman, Agena Robert Ande, the AAC condemned Wike’s recent threats to work against the victory of candidates who do not support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The AAC characterized the minister’s remarks as a “recipe for chaos,” “political intimidation,” and a “blatant disregard for democratic principles.” The party expressed skepticism about Wike’s confidence in making such statements, raising serious concerns about the potential role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The AAC further questioned if Wike had received assurances from INEC’s leadership to rig the elections, demanding that INEC publicly clarify its position and reject any alleged plot to manipulate the polls. The party urged INEC to be extremely worried about such statements coming from a government appointee with direct access to electoral authorities, suggesting it indicates Wike might be collaborating with compromised INEC officials and security personnel. The AAC called on security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, to take immediate steps to prevent violence or voter intimidation in the FCT and demanded Wike be held accountable for his alleged remarks, insisting that the rule of law must prevail.

The AAC issued a stark warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that his association with Minister Wike is a “recipe for disaster” and that his failure to condemn these statements indicates his complicity in a plot to undermine democracy. The party urged the President to distance himself from Wike and ensure the FCT elections are conducted freely and fairly. Addressing the people of FCT, the AAC encouraged them not to be intimidated, cajoled, or swayed, asserting that their votes must count and their voices must be heard. The party declared its unwavering commitment to defending the rights of FCT residents and resisting all plans to rig the elections, urging citizens to be ready for any illegal actions by the FCT Minister and his cohorts.