Legal practitioner Maduabuchi Idam has expressed strong disapproval regarding President Bola Tinubu’s recent statement that “all is fair in politics.” This comment, delivered during an audience with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria led by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the nation’s political climate.
In a formal statement, Idam argued that such rhetoric serves as a precursor to electoral misconduct. He warned that the President’s supporters might view this sentiment as a license to engage in political violence, anarchy, and the suppression of opposing viewpoints. By suggesting that anything goes in political competition, the President risks undermining the standards of civility and restraint required for a healthy democracy.
Idam drew parallels between this latest remark and Tinubu’s previous “snatch it, grab it” commentary. He questioned whether such messaging encourages politicians to abandon legal boundaries in pursuit of electoral victory. Furthermore, the lawyer raised concerns about the consistency of law enforcement, questioning if the Department of State Services would apply these same lenient standards to figures like Omoyele Sowore, who previously faced legal scrutiny for controversial statements.
Ultimately, Idam emphasized that Nigeria’s leadership should champion the rule of law and respect for dissent, rather than employing language that could be interpreted as an endorsement of lawless behavior.
