ADC Hits Tinubu Over ‘Game’ Comment on Electoral Act, Questions Democratic Credentials

The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of trivialising governance and raising questions about his commitment to democratic principles.

The criticism followed the President’s remark during an Iftar (breaking of fast) meeting with the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), where he dismissed opposition concerns over the Electoral Act 2026 Amendment, telling critics to meet him at the polls and adding that “the game is sweet only when you are winning.”

Reacting in a statement issued yesterday, the ADC described the President’s comment as cynical and inappropriate, arguing that it reduces the serious responsibility of governance to a mere political contest.

The statement, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the remark was particularly troubling given the country’s current challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and rising poverty.

According to the party, democracy should not be treated as a competition for those in power but as a system founded on accountability, respect for institutions and responsibility to the people.

“The President’s remark raises serious questions about his democratic credentials and his understanding of the responsibilities that come with leadership in a constitutional democracy,” the statement read.

ADC further accused the President of demonstrating tendencies that undermine democratic values, alleging that the recently amended Electoral Act was designed to weaken opposition parties and tilt the political playing field in favour of the ruling government.

The party argued that while the administration may claim political victories, it has failed in what it described as the more important responsibility of improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

It questioned whether Nigerians could truly be considered winners amid persistent security challenges, high unemployment among graduates and the increasing difficulty many families face in affording food and other basic necessities.

“If politics is a game to the President, the Nigerian people are the ones paying the price,” the party said, adding that Nigeria requires leadership that recognises the weight of the office and governs with competence and respect for the rule of law.

The ADC concluded that governance must not be trivialised, especially at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with economic and security challenges, stressing that the presidency is not a prize but a responsibility that must be carried with seriousness.