Lawyer Slams Tinubu Over ‘All Is Fair In Politics’ Comment

Human rights lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his recent comment that “all is fair in politics,” warning that the statement could be interpreted as an endorsement of electoral misconduct and political violence.

Idam, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the remark made by the President during a meeting with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria led by Cardinal John Onaiyekan, could send a dangerous message to overzealous supporters if taken literally.

The constitutional lawyer argued that the statement risked encouraging intolerance, hostility towards opposing views and other forms of political misconduct.

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“The President’s assertion that ‘all is fair in politics’ is an invitation to ballot rascality. Taken literally, it risks being interpreted by overzealous supporters as an open cheque to anarchy, political violence, intolerance, and hostility toward dissenting voices in the name of electoral competition,” Idam said.

He questioned how Nigerians would distinguish between acceptable political competition and unlawful actions such as intimidation, hate speech and violence when such remarks come from the highest office in the country.

Idam also linked Tinubu’s latest comment to his previous statement, “snatch it, grab it and run away with it,” arguing that both remarks could create the impression that politicians are permitted to use any means necessary to achieve electoral success.

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“If that is indeed the principle being preached, and others are permitted to rely on the same interpretation without risking arrest or prosecution, will the Nigerian society remain habitable? Or is the President’s statement intended to enjoy a special interpretation unavailable to everyone else?” he asked.

The lawyer further referenced the case involving activist Omoyele Sowore, whose comments had attracted legal action, questioning whether the Department of State Services (DSS) should reconsider its position if the phrase “all is fair in politics” is accepted as a guiding principle.

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Idam stressed that Nigeria’s democracy requires leaders to promote civility, tolerance, respect for opposing opinions and adherence to the rule of law, rather than statements that could be interpreted as encouraging political disorder.

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