ADC Accuses Tinubu’s Campaign of Fake‑News Smokescreen Amid Violence Claims

ADC Campaign Council Accuses Tinubu of Smokescreen

On 25 October 2026, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council issued a statement accusing President Bola Tinubu’s campaign team of deploying fake‑news and artificial‑intelligence manipulation claims to distract voters from the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s performance. Phrank Shaibu, the council’s head of strategic communication, issued a challenge to APC representative Dele Alake, demanding proof that connects former vice-president Atiku Abubakar and the ADC to any supposed scheme to create false material against the APC campaign. Shaibu characterized the APC’s claims as a tactic to shift focus away from the administration’s economic performance, asserting that the public is more preoccupied with increasing costs of living than with political accusations. He pointed to escalating fuel prices, food inflation, and widespread poverty as indicators of the failures under the APC-led government. The ADC representative also raised questions about a vehicle stationed near an APC campaign sign, inquiring why such protection was necessary, and claimed that supporters from far-off regions were transported to a Kaduna rally, where they allegedly slept outdoors. Referencing unverified reports of traffic incidents involving APC backers traveling from Sokoto and Abuja to the event, he requested that the party explain how the safety of these passengers was ensured.

Atiku Accuses Tinubu and APC of Encouraging Political Violence

On that same day, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential nominee for the ADC, blamed President Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the APC for creating conditions that promote political violence. This allegation came after a reported assault on comedian Osagie Daniel Idedia, who goes by the name Porkupyne, in Benin City, Edo State. Atiku stated that the comedian was targeted because of his support for him and his calls for effective governance and accountability within Edo State. Atiku denounced the incident and demanded a swift investigation by the police. He placed responsibility on Okpebholo, Tinubu, and the APC leadership for what he termed a culture of impunity where opposition adherents were supposedly threatened and physically harmed. He called upon law enforcement to determine who was behind the alleged assault and to probe whether any parties funded or enabled it. Atiku further requested that Amnesty International and diplomatic missions in Nigeria oversee how opposition supporters are treated and record instances of suspected politically driven violence leading up to the 2027 general election. He insisted on immediate justice for Idedia and safeguarding for citizens who exercise their right to make political choices and engage in peaceful protest.

Background

The ADC was founded on 22 January 1995 and has been a vocal opposition party in Nigeria. The current election cycle has seen heightened tensions between the ruling APC and opposition parties. President Tinubu, a former vice‑president and current APC presidential candidate, has faced criticism over the APC’s economic performance, particularly rising fuel prices and food inflation. Atiku Abubakar, a former vice‑president and the ADC’s presidential candidate, has long been a critic of the APC’s governance. The recent incident involving the comedian in Benin City has added a new dimension to the political conflict, with accusations of politically motivated violence.

Why it Matters

The allegations highlight a growing concern over the use of misinformation and political violence in Nigeria’s electoral process. If the ADC’s claims are substantiated, they could undermine public confidence in the APC’s campaign tactics and raise questions about the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections. The accusations of politically motivated violence, if proven, could lead to increased scrutiny from international human rights organisations and foreign missions, potentially affecting Nigeria’s international standing. The economic arguments presented by the ADC point to a broader issue of public discontent with rising living costs, which could influence voter sentiment. The alleged transport of supporters from distant states to rallies and the safety concerns raised by the ADC may also affect perceptions of the APC’s campaign practices.

What Happens Next

The ADC campaign council has called on the APC to provide evidence supporting its claims of fake‑news allegations. Atiku has urged the police to investigate the alleged attack on the comedian and to identify any political sponsorship of the incident. Both parties have indicated that the matter will be closely monitored by Amnesty International and foreign missions in Nigeria. No specific dates for investigations or further statements have been announced at this time.